Why Did Kiwoom Heroes Bench Their Veterans? Inside the Dramatic Mid-Game Substitutions of Song Sung-moon and Choi Joo-hwan

A Tough Season for Kiwoom: Defensive Struggles and Leadership Challenges

Did you know that the Kiwoom Heroes are facing one of their toughest seasons in recent history? As of June 2025, the team leads the KBO in errors, with 66 in just 72 games, earning the unwanted title of most errors in the league. This defensive instability has been a major factor in their struggles, despite efforts to rebuild with young talent and strategic foreign player signings. The pressure is mounting not just on the rookies, but also on the veterans who are expected to anchor the team’s defense and provide leadership during challenging times.

The Game That Sparked Controversy: Song Sung-moon and Choi Joo-hwan’s Costly Mistakes

On June 15th, in a tense match against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium, Kiwoom’s defensive woes were on full display. Rookie pitcher Jung Hyun-woo, the top pick in the 2025 draft, started strong but was let down by his infield. Captain Song Sung-moon failed to handle a hard-hit grounder in the first inning, allowing a leadoff single. Later, Choi Joo-hwan missed another crucial play, and even second baseman Jeon Tae-hyun bobbled a ball, loading the bases and leading to more runs. By the end of the fourth inning, Kiwoom had committed three errors, and their confidence was visibly shaken. These mistakes not only cost the team runs but also undermined the rookie pitcher’s morale on the mound.

Manager Hong Won-ki’s Bold Move: Sending a Message Through Substitution

Manager Hong Won-ki didn’t hesitate to act. At the start of the fifth inning, he pulled both Song Sung-moon and Choi Joo-hwan from the game—a rare move, especially for core players and team leaders. In the post-game briefing, Hong explained that when a young pitcher is on the mound, the defense must be at its sharpest. He emphasized that the substitutions were meant to send a message: the team must stay focused and support its youngest members. This decision was not just about correcting errors but about demanding accountability and setting a standard for the entire roster.

Fan and Community Reactions: Divided Opinions on the Benchings

How did fans react? On Korean platforms like DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21, the response was mixed. Some fans applauded Hong’s tough love, saying it was about time the veterans were held accountable for repeated mistakes. Others worried that such public discipline might hurt team morale or single out players unfairly. On Naver and Tistory blogs, debates raged about leadership, with many noting that Song Sung-moon, despite his earlier strong defensive stats, had shown signs of pressure as captain. The overall sentiment leaned slightly positive, with fans hoping the move would spark a turnaround, but a vocal minority remained skeptical about its long-term impact on team chemistry.

Cultural Insight: Why Leadership and Accountability Matter in Korean Baseball

To understand the significance of Hong’s decision, you need to know a bit about Korean baseball culture. In Korea, team harmony and respect for hierarchy are deeply valued. Captains and senior players are expected to set an example, both on and off the field. When they falter, it’s not just a personal issue—it’s seen as a failure of leadership that can affect the whole team. Hong’s public benching of Song and Choi was a clear signal to the entire roster that no one is above the team’s standards, regardless of status. This approach reflects a broader trend in Korean sports, where coaches use bold moves to reinforce discipline and unity, especially during difficult seasons.

Media Analysis: How the Press Covered the Incident

Korean media outlets were quick to analyze the incident. Sports Donga, Chosun, and OSEN highlighted the rare nature of benching both the captain and the veteran slugger mid-game. Articles pointed out that Kiwoom’s error-prone defense has been a recurring issue all season, and that Hong’s move was as much about sending a message to the rest of the league as it was about correcting individual mistakes. Some commentators praised the manager’s decisiveness, while others questioned whether such drastic actions might backfire if not followed by improved performance. The consensus, however, was that something had to change—and fast.

Looking Forward: Can Kiwoom Turn Things Around?

So, what’s next for the Kiwoom Heroes? The team’s management is betting on a combination of tough love, youth development, and renewed focus on fundamentals to steer the club out of its slump. With the most errors in the league and a record flirting with historic lows, the pressure is on. But as fans and pundits alike have noted, adversity can sometimes bring out the best in a team—if the message is received and the players respond. For international fans, this episode is a window into the unique pressures and expectations that shape Korean baseball, where every game is a test of skill, character, and collective spirit.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Game—A Lesson in Accountability and Teamwork

The mid-game substitution of Song Sung-moon and Choi Joo-hwan wasn’t just about errors on the field. It was a statement about leadership, accountability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the KBO. Whether this bold move will mark a turning point for Kiwoom remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in Korean baseball, every play—and every decision—carries weight far beyond the scoreboard.