From Ponce to Weiss: How Hanwha Eagles Ended a 33-Year Drought to Lead the KBO First Half

The Historic Night at Gocheok Sky Dome

Did you know? On July 6, 2025, the Hanwha Eagles rewrote KBO history at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome. Facing the Kiwoom Heroes, Hanwha’s foreign ace Ryan Weiss delivered a masterclass: six innings, just two hits, no runs, and a staggering 11 strikeouts. The dugout erupted in the seventh when Liberato smashed a three-run homer, with Weiss raising his arms in triumph. The Eagles clinched a 10-1 win, sweeping the weekend series and locking in first place for the first half of the season—a feat not seen since the Binggrae era in 1992. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement to the league and their passionate fanbase.

Ryan Weiss: The Foreign Ace Who Changed Everything

Ryan Weiss, affectionately dubbed 'Daejeon Jesus' by fans, has become the heartbeat of Hanwha’s pitching rotation. His fastball, reaching the mid-150 km/h range, and his devastating sweeper have left batters guessing all season. Weiss’s 10th win (against just three losses) came with a sparkling 3.07 ERA, and his consistency has been pivotal—he’s among league leaders in strikeouts and quality starts. But it’s not just the stats: Weiss’s leadership and selflessness, even giving up personal milestones for the team’s long-term goals, have made him a cult hero in Daejeon. His journey from overcoming early struggles to becoming the Eagles’ anchor is a story every KBO fan should know.

Offensive Firepower: The Bats That Backed Weiss

Hanwha’s resurgence isn’t just about pitching. The offense exploded in the first half, especially in clutch moments. Against Kiwoom, the Eagles launched three home runs—Liberato, Chae Eun-sung (his 14th of the season), and Lee Won-seok all went deep. Roh Si-hwan, another rising star, added his 17th homer, while multi-hit games from several players showcased the team’s depth. This balanced attack has lifted Hanwha to a league-leading .607 win percentage, with recent games often seeing the Eagles score five or more runs. The synergy between veteran bats and young prospects has been key to their dominance.

Community Buzz: How Fans and Celebrities Reacted

The Eagles’ climb to the top has electrified not just their core supporters but also celebrities and the broader Korean sports community. On Naver and Tistory blogs, posts celebrating Hanwha’s first-half title have gone viral, with fans sharing stories of long-awaited joy and emotional reunions at the ballpark. On DC Inside and FM Korea, positive comments outnumber negatives by nearly four to one, with top posts reading, “This is the Hanwha I’ve waited my whole life for!” and “Ryan Weiss is our MVP!” Even actor Jo In-sung and Girls’ Generation’s Yuri have publicly shown their support, further fueling the Eagles’ surging popularity.

Cultural Insight: Why This Moment Matters in Korean Baseball

To truly grasp the significance, overseas fans should know Hanwha’s unique place in Korean baseball. Once perennial underdogs, the Eagles’ only championship came in 1999, and they’ve endured decades of heartbreak and rebuilding. Their loyal fanbase, known for unwavering support through thick and thin, has made Daejeon’s stadium a fortress. The 33-year wait for a first-half title is more than a sports achievement—it’s a cultural milestone. The team’s decision to reduce games in Cheongju sparked controversy, but the Daejeon faithful have doubled down, turning every home game into a festival. This season, Hanwha’s story is about redemption, community, and hope.

Looking Ahead: Can Hanwha Sustain the Momentum?

With the first-half crown secured, all eyes are on whether Hanwha can carry this momentum into the postseason. The upcoming series against the KIA Tigers is seen as a test of depth, but with a 3.5-game lead and the best home record in the league, optimism is high. Young pitchers like Hwang Jun-seo are gaining valuable experience, and the bullpen—once a weakness—has stepped up. Analysts and bloggers alike predict that if Weiss and the offense maintain their form, the Eagles could break their Korean Series drought. For now, Hanwha fans are daring to dream, and the rest of the KBO is taking notice.

Fan Voices: Community Reactions from Naver, Tistory, and Forums

Community sentiment is overwhelmingly positive: on Naver, over 75% of comments praise the team’s transformation, while Tistory bloggers recount personal stories of following Hanwha since childhood. DC Inside threads feature memes of Weiss as a superhero, and FM Korea users debate the best moments of the season—most agree that the July 6th win was the turning point. However, some Cheongju fans express disappointment over reduced home games, highlighting the deep regional ties that define KBO fandom. Still, the prevailing mood is one of celebration and cautious optimism.

The Global Perspective: What Overseas Fans Should Watch For

If you’re new to KBO or following from abroad, now is the perfect time to jump on the Hanwha bandwagon. The team’s blend of international talent, homegrown stars, and a fan culture that rivals any in world baseball makes every Eagles game a spectacle. Watch for Weiss’s next starts, the power-hitting of Chae Eun-sung and Roh Si-hwan, and the passionate crowd at Daejeon. This isn’t just a baseball story—it’s a comeback narrative with universal appeal. Will Hanwha’s fairytale run continue? Stay tuned, because in KBO, anything can happen.