Moon Dong-ju, the 'Prince of Daejeon', Takes the Mound for Hanwha’s Korean Series Comeback

The Return of Hanwha: A 19-Year Wait Ends

Hanwha fans, can you believe it? Nineteen years have passed since the Eagles last took flight in the Korean Series. In a dramatic playoff run, Hanwha defeated the Samsung Lions 3-2, sealing their long-awaited return. The celebration was euphoric — not only for the team but for Daejeon itself. Streets near Hanwha Life Ballpark were filled with orange, as fans chanting “Eagles Fly High” echoed through the night. Actors like Jo In-sung and Park Bo-young joined in online, sharing emotional posts of pride and nostalgia. Meanwhile, Hanwha’s manager Kim Kyung-moon, known for his strategic mind, reflected on his long career without a championship. This, he said, might finally be his perfect opportunity.

Moon Dong-ju: From Fireball Reliever to Game 1 Ace

The buzz around Moon Dong-ju is electric. In the playoffs, he was the hero — a 161.6 km/h fastball, rock-solid control, and six scoreless innings that earned him the Playoff MVP. Initially used as a bullpen secret weapon, Moon’s rise was meteoric. Coach Kim Kyung-moon hinted days before the Korean Series that a rookie might start Game 1. On Oct. 25, media day confirmed it: Moon would face LG’s Anders Tholhurst at Jamsil Stadium. Fans nicknamed him the 'Prince of Daejeon' for his poise and fire on the mound. Many couldn’t forget his roar after closing out Game 3 against Samsung — a moment that symbolized the team’s fighting spirit. Even Ryu Hyun-jin, once Hanwha’s golden ace, took pride in the young right-hander carrying the torch.

Korean Series Energy: LG vs Hanwha – A Clash of Styles

This matchup feels like destiny. LG Twins, last year’s champions, are chasing a back-to-back title under Yeom Kyung-yeop’s sharp leadership. Hanwha, on the other hand, is defined by grit and youth. Analysts say Game 1 is critical — teams winning the opener in recent years claimed the title nearly 73% of the time. Fans on Naver and DC Inside are divided. Some cheer Hanwha’s emotional journey, while others doubt whether Moon, at just 21, can outduel LG’s experienced lineup. Still, optimism dominates Hanwha’s community. On PGR21 and FM Korea, posts read things like “Moon’s fastball is poetry” and “This team feels alive again.” The faith is contagious. Even skeptics admit — Hanwha looks reborn.

The Heartbeat of Daejeon: More Than Just Baseball

What makes this run so special isn’t just the wins. It’s cultural. For Daejeon, the Eagles represent identity and pride. Generations who grew up cheering for Ryu Hyun-jin now see Moon Dong-ju as their next hero. The local economy is thriving again; ticket sales are surging, fan cafés are bustling, and orange uniforms are sold out across stores. Hanwha’s slogan this year, 'Back to Belief,' feels prophetic. Looking ahead, Kim Kyung-moon’s tactical genius, Moon’s fire, and the fans’ endless loyalty may just script a new miracle in Korean baseball history. So brace yourselves, because this Korean Series could be where Hanwha’s long wait finally turns into legend.