Tokyo, Japan – As South Korea prepares for its first match in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), all eyes are on the pitching rotation. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun has announced that 25-year-classic So Hyung-jun of the KT Wiz will take the mound as the starting pitcher for the crucial opening game against the Czech Republic on March 5th. Following him, 20-year-old Hanwha Eagles pitcher Jung Woo-joo is slated to relieve, marking a significant moment for the young talent.
The announcement, made during a press conference at the Tokyo Dome on March 4th, underscores the strategic approach the Korean team is taking. Ryu Ji-hyun emphasized the importance of managing pitching resources effectively throughout the tournament, given the limited schedule and imposed pitch count restrictions. “We need to win as planned,” he stated, highlighting the need to avoid complications in the team’s strategy for subsequent games. Yonhap News Agency reported on the manager’s comments.
A History of First-Game Struggles
Despite being considered the stronger team on paper, South Korea has a concerning track record in WBC opening games. The team has suffered defeats in its first match in the 2013 (Netherlands), 2017 (Israel), and 2023 (Australia) tournaments, leading to early exits from the competition. This history adds extra pressure to the upcoming game against the Czech Republic. The team is acutely aware of the need to break this pattern and secure a vital win to advance to the next stage.
So Hyung-jun: Carrying the Weight of a Nation
So Hyung-jun, the chosen starting pitcher, acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with the role. He expressed his determination to perform at his best, stating, “As the starting pitcher for Korean baseball with 12 million fans watching, I will do my best to live up to expectations.” This sentiment reflects the national pride and passion surrounding the WBC, and the weight of expectation on the players representing the country.
Jung Woo-joo, the young reliever, is also preparing for his pivotal role. He recently spoke to reporters after a training session at the Tokyo Dome, expressing his readiness to contribute. Korea Daily reported that Jung aims to conserve his energy and pitch efficiently, drawing inspiration from the pitching style of pitcher Dylan Cease. He hopes to emulate Cease’s ability to minimize pitch counts while maximizing effectiveness on the mound.
Strategic Pitching and Tournament Outlook
The decision to bring in Jung Woo-joo after So Hyung-jun is a strategic one, designed to provide a bridge to the bullpen and manage pitching workloads. The team recognizes the importance of preserving their key pitchers for the challenging games ahead, including a highly anticipated match against defending champions Japan on March 7th. Following the Japan game, South Korea will face Taiwan on March 8th and Australia on March 9th. The top two teams from Group C will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be held in Miami, Florida.
Jung Woo-joo’s recent performance has been impressive. In 51 games during the 2025 KBO season, he recorded 3 wins, 3 holds, and a 2.85 ERA. His ability to consistently deliver strikes and limit runs makes him a valuable asset to the national team. He has been working diligently to refine his pitching mechanics and build stamina in preparation for the demands of the WBC.
Preparing for the Czech Challenge
While the Czech Republic is considered the underdog in this matchup, the Korean team is taking no chances. They are approaching the game with a focused and determined mindset, recognizing the importance of securing a victory to build momentum for the rest of the tournament. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun has emphasized the need for a strong start and a disciplined approach to pitching and hitting.
Jung Woo-joo has been preparing for this opportunity, having gained valuable experience during the team’s training camp in Okinawa. He participated in two practice games against the Samsung Lions, where he worked on refining his control and building confidence. He acknowledged a shaky performance in the first practice game, attributing it to a lack of preparation, but rebounded with a strong outing in the second, allowing no runs over two innings while reaching a top speed of 151 km/h on his fastball. According to Yonhap News, Jung Woo-joo learned from his initial mistakes and adopted a more focused and methodical approach to his preparation.
A Nation’s Hope Rests on the Mound
The weight of a nation’s expectations rests on the shoulders of So Hyung-jun and Jung Woo-joo as they prepare to take the mound against the Czech Republic. The team is determined to overcome its past struggles in opening games and advance deep into the tournament. Jung Woo-joo has even inscribed the phrase “진인사대천명” (jininsa daecheonmyeong), meaning “do your best and depart the outcome to heaven,” on the inside of his cap, symbolizing his commitment to giving his all and accepting the result with grace. Money Today reported on this personal touch, highlighting the player’s dedication and mental fortitude.
The Korean team understands that success in the WBC requires a combination of talent, strategy, and unwavering determination. They are confident that they have the necessary ingredients to make a strong run in the tournament and bring pride to their nation. The game against the Czech Republic represents the first step on that journey, and the team is fully prepared to meet the challenge.
The first pitch of the Korea-Czech Republic match is scheduled for 7:00 PM local time on March 5th at the Tokyo Dome. Fans across South Korea and around the world will be tuning in to witness the start of what they hope will be a historic run for the national team.
The team will enjoy a day of rest on March 6th before facing the formidable Japanese squad on March 7th. The outcome of the first two games will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Stay tuned for further updates as the World Baseball Classic unfolds.