Son Ah-seop Finally Reaches Korean Series After 19 Years and 2,169 Games

A Historic First: Son Ah-seop's Korean Series Debut

After 19 years in professional baseball and a record 2,169 regular season games, Son Ah-seop finally steps onto the Korean Series stage. This milestone came during the 2025 KBO League Playoffs, where Son played a pivotal role for the Hanwha Eagles in the decisive Game 5 against the Samsung Lions. A steady performer throughout the series, Son boosted Hanwha’s offense with 2 hits, a walk, and a run scored in the final game, helping secure an emphatic 11-2 victory that propelled the team to their first Korean Series in 19 years. His journey from his 2007 debut with Lotte Giants through playoff heartbreaks with NC Dinos and Hanwha culminates in this moment, a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the game.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Playoffs

The playoff run was intense, with Hanwha and Samsung battling through five high-stakes games. Son Ah-seop himself experienced mixed feelings, especially after Hanwha’s gut-wrenching defeat in Game 4, where they lost despite a leading 4-0 advantage. Son candidly shared that he momentarily wondered if the loss was his fault, reflecting the mental pressure athletes endure in critical moments. Yet, teammate Lee Jae-won’s confidence helped him regain focus, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and mental toughness in Korean baseball culture. Fans, too, roared with excitement and emotions, creating an electric atmosphere both in stadiums and online forums, showcasing the deep passion Korean fans hold for their teams and heroes.

Cultural Context and Fan Reactions

Korean baseball fans are known for their enthusiastic and unwavering support, often camping out for tickets despite weather challenges, a sentiment vividly seen during this playoff season. The Hanwha Eagles’ return to the Korean Series sparked celebrations on social media and fan communities like Naver and Daum, with fans expressing pride and hope after nearly two decades. Comments ranged from admiration for Son’s resilience to excitement over the team’s potential to finally win a championship. This fervor underscores how Korean baseball is not just a sport but a unifying source of community identity and shared memory, deepened by personal narratives of players like Son Ah-seop.

Looking Ahead: The Korean Series Showdown

Hanwha faces the LG Twins, the regular season champions, in the best-of-seven Korean Series starting October 26, 2025. Son Ah-seop described LG as the strongest team they’ll face, yet expressed optimism that the tough playoff battles against Samsung will prepare Hanwha well. This series is not just a competition but a cultural event, drawing national attention and showcasing the peak of Korean baseball talent. For Son Ah-seop, the Korean Series is both a personal dream realized and an opportunity to achieve the ultimate goal of a championship, making every game a story not just about baseball but about perseverance, legacy, and Korean sports culture.