Why Kim Taek-yeon's Unwavering Determination Couldn't Be Stopped by 5 Consecutive Appearances

The Unbreakable Spirit of Korea's Rising Star Closer

When 20-year-old Kim Taek-yeon of the Doosan Bears was asked by his interim manager Jo Seong-hwan to rest due to heavy workload, his response was as direct as his fastball: "If it's a save situation, shouldn't the closer take the mound?" This unwavering determination has defined Kim's approach throughout the challenging first half of the 2025 KBO season.

Kim Taek-yeon finished the first half with a 1-2 record, 15 saves, and a 3.00 ERA across 40 games and 45 innings pitched. Despite concerns about overuse - he appeared in 60 games last season at just 19 years old - Kim's mental fortitude remains unshaken. His performance in June earned him the monthly MVP award with 5 saves and a 2.64 ERA in 11 appearances, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.

The young closer's philosophy is simple yet profound: "There are players who want to pitch but can't. This is a natural mindset for any player, and that's all I was expressing," Kim stated. This mentality has made him one of the most reliable closers in the KBO League, carrying the weight of expectations that come with being the 2024 Rookie of the Year.

The Grueling Schedule That Tested Kim's Limits

The first half of 2025 presented Kim Taek-yeon with one of his most demanding stretches as a professional pitcher. During the final weeks before the All-Star break, he appeared in five consecutive games, including a three-game series against the KT Wiz from July 4-6, followed by appearances in two straight games against the Lotte Giants on July 8-9.

This intense schedule raised immediate concerns about pitcher fatigue and long-term health. Kim had already thrown 45 innings in the first half alone, nearly matching his rookie season workload pace. The situation became so concerning that interim manager Jo Seong-hwan repeatedly tried to convince Kim to rest, telling him, "You've been throwing a lot. Let's take a break. Skip today's game".

However, Kim's response highlighted his professional mindset and understanding of his role. He explained, "Whether I'm performing well or not, I believe it's right to pitch in save situations. From the opposing team's perspective, if the pitcher who should be out there (the closer) doesn't appear, their morale could increase". This strategic thinking demonstrates maturity beyond his years and deep understanding of baseball psychology.

The Mental Makeup of a Championship Closer

Kim Taek-yeon's approach to closing games reflects a championship mentality that has impressed both teammates and management. His willingness to pitch through fatigue stems from a genuine belief in his responsibility as the team's closer. "I thought I could handle two consecutive appearances (against Lotte) since I had rested for a day in between. My pitch count wasn't high, so my fatigue level wasn't that high either," Kim explained.

This mental toughness was evident throughout his rookie campaign, where he recorded 19 saves - a record for high school rookies - and maintained a 2.08 ERA across 60 games. His performance earned him the 2024 KBO Rookie of the Year award with 93 out of 101 votes, demonstrating the respect he commands across the league.

The young closer's confidence isn't just bravado; it's backed by results. During a recent appearance against Samsung Lions in spring training, Kim threw 12 fastballs out of 16 pitches, including seven consecutive fastballs to two batters, showcasing the kind of dominance that makes him indispensable. His fastball regularly touches 150+ km/h, earning him comparisons to legendary closer Oh Seung-hwan.

Balancing Talent Protection with Competitive Demands

The challenge facing Doosan's management is balancing Kim Taek-yeon's competitive spirit with the need to protect their valuable asset. Interim manager Jo Seong-hwan acknowledged this dilemma: "Kim Taek-yeon says 'I'll speak up first if I'm struggling,' but it's hard to believe. If you leave it up to the player, they'll inevitably get overloaded".

Jo emphasized the broader implications of Kim's health: "Kim Taek-yeon is a player who needs to perform not just for our team but for South Korea as well. We need to make him rest when he should rest and manage his pitch count meticulously". This reference to national team duty underscores Kim's importance to Korean baseball's future.

The management's concern is well-founded. Kim's 2024 season included 15 instances of pitching on consecutive days and multiple multi-inning appearances, leading to fatigue debates. The organization recognizes that managing a young pitcher's workload is crucial for long-term success, especially when that pitcher possesses Kim's rare combination of talent and determination.

To address these concerns, Doosan is strengthening their bullpen depth for the second half, with Choi Ji-gang and Lee Byung-heon returning to the active roster, and former starter Choi Won-jun joining the bullpen. This reinforcement should help reduce Kim's workload while maintaining the team's competitive edge.

The Cultural Context of Korean Baseball's Work Ethic

Kim Taek-yeon's attitude reflects deeply ingrained values in Korean baseball culture, where dedication and sacrifice for the team are paramount. His statement, "There are players who want to pitch but can't," resonates with the Korean concept of understanding one's privileged position and maximizing opportunities.

This mindset is particularly significant given Kim's rapid rise from high school to professional stardom. Selected second overall in the 2024 draft after an impressive performance at the U-18 World Cup, Kim faced immediate pressure to prove himself. His rookie season exceeded all expectations, leading to a massive salary increase from 30 million won to 140 million won - a 366% raise that reflects his value to the organization.

The Korean baseball community has embraced Kim's work ethic, though some fans have expressed concern about potential burnout. Online discussions on platforms like Naver and Daum reflect a mix of admiration for his dedication and worry about his long-term health. Comments range from praise for his professionalism to calls for better workload management, showing the complex relationship between fan expectations and player welfare in Korean sports culture.

Looking Ahead: Second Half Adjustments and Future Prospects

As Kim Taek-yeon enters the second half of the 2025 season, both he and the Doosan Bears organization are focused on sustainable success. Kim reflected on his challenging first half: "Compared to last year, there were many difficulties, but I'm satisfied that I threw well without getting injured. There are things to improve and things that have gotten better. I hope the second half will be one where I make good improvements".

The closer's goals extend beyond individual statistics. Having expressed his desire to win the saves title in 2025, Kim is motivated by team success and personal growth. His approach to the second half will be crucial in determining whether he can maintain his elite performance while staying healthy for the long term.

Manager Jo Seong-hwan's honest assessment captures the ongoing challenge: "It's not easy. Even when I think 'I shouldn't use him today,' when the necessary situation arises, the closer's name appears in bold letters on the lineup card". This tension between immediate competitive needs and long-term player development will continue to define Kim's career trajectory.

Kim Taek-yeon's story represents more than just individual achievement; it embodies the spirit of Korean baseball and the delicate balance between tradition and modern player management. His unwavering commitment to his role as closer, combined with his exceptional talent, positions him as a cornerstone of Korean baseball's future. As the second half unfolds, fans worldwide will be watching to see how this young star continues to evolve while maintaining the determination that has made him one of Asia's most promising closers.