South Korea's national baseball team will play exhibition games against Japan in Tokyo ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The squad of young KBO stars faces the world champion for valuable experience. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun approaches the matches seriously, aiming for victories.
South Korea and Japan will clash in two exhibition games at Tokyo Dome, starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Organized by the KBO for 2026 World Baseball Classic preparation, these follow wins over the Czech Republic in Seoul (3-0 and 11-1). Pool C includes South Korea, Japan, Czech Republic, Australia, and Chinese Taipei.
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun, facing nine straight losses to Japan in pro competitions, stated, "Any game against Japan carries extra significance," vowing to win both despite their tuneup status. The roster features 20-something KBO rising stars without MLB players like Lee Jung-hoo, Kim Hye-seong, and Kim Ha-seong. Pitchers include rookies Jeong Woo-joo and Bae Chan-seung, teenagers just out of high school, with 26-year-old Son Ju-young as the oldest.
Outfielder Ahn Hyun-min, 22, led the KBO with a .448 on-base percentage and ranks second in OPS at 1.018; Ryu named him the No. 2 hitter. Roh Si-hwan, 24, has two 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons, while Moon Bo-gyeong, 25, notched 100 RBIs for the second straight year. Infielder Song Sung-mun, 29, is set for MLB posting this winter. Since the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, the KBO has focused on young players for international exposure.
Japan, sans MLB stars like Shohei Ohtani, fields NPB talents: infielder Kaito Kozono (.309 average), outfielder Shota Morishita (23 home runs), and Shugo Maki from the 2023 WBC champions. Pitchers include saves leaders Shinya Matsuyama (46) and Kaima Taira (31), plus Chihiro Sumida (10 wins, 2.59 ERA).
Ryu is cautious with key right-handers Won Tae-in and Moon Dong-ju after long seasons, prioritizing WBC fitness. Tommy Edman declined due to ankle surgery, but interest persists in U.S.-born Korean-descent players like Jahmai Jones. Players expressed readiness: "We're set to fight," Ryu said.
