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| Noh Kyung-eun / Photo: Getty Images |
On the 16th, the president posted on his social media a message titled \"Thank you, Noh Kyung-eun.\"
As the oldest member of the Korean national baseball team, Noh appeared in four of Korea's five games and showed veteran poise on the mound. He logged 3.1 scoreless innings across Korea's three first-round games (excluding the contest with Japan) and allowed two runs in a 0.1-inning outing against the Dominican Republic in the quarterfinals.
His performance in the March 9 matchup against Australia — when Korea's place in the quarterfinals was in doubt — stood out. After starter Son Ju-young left the game with sudden elbow pain, Noh came in on short notice and shut down the opposition with two scoreless innings, helping spark Korea's dramatic push into the last eight.
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun, who returned through Incheon International Airport on the 16th, also singled out Noh as the team's MVP and praised his contribution.
President Lee said the scenes Noh produced during this WBC left a deep impression.
He noted that in the final group game against Australia, the starter exited with a sudden injury and Noh rushed in to hold the other team scoreless for two innings, helping secure a 7-2 victory. At the time, Korea's chances of advancing were under 5 percent. That appearance became the turning point in a near-miraculous comeback, and the team ultimately advanced to the next round.
The president added that what moved many people most was that, at 42, Noh never gave up and continued to refine his craft as a veteran. In an era dominated by fastballs around 150 km/h (about 93 mph) and even over 160 km/h (about 99 mph), he relied on experience, restraint and long-cultivated feel to fulfill his role. That moment felt like more than a game — it carried the message, \"Don't give up just because it's late.\"
He went on to say that many people in society face setbacks or consider giving up for various reasons, and he believes Noh's relentless challenge and courage will inspire hope and fighting spirit in many citizens.
Finally, President Lee said that among countries liberated from colonial rule, South Korea is unique in having achieved both industrialization and democratization. Today's South Korea stands shoulder to shoulder with advanced nations because its people keep learning, practicing and taking on challenges. Despite difficult conditions at home and abroad, we will not give up; we will move forward, overcome and ultimately succeed, he emphasized.
[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young sports@stoo.com]
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