The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on February 10 that Kim would replace Choi Jae-hoon of the Hanwha Eagles, who was forced to withdraw due to injury. Choi had suffered a finger fracture during team training, ruling him out of national team contention.
Speaking from the team’s spring training camp in Tucson, Arizona, Kim shared his thoughts through the NC Dinos organization: “It’s a tremendous honor and thrill to represent South Korea in such a prestigious tournament as the WBC. This has always been a dream of mine.”
Kim continued, “I’ll carry the weight of the national team jersey with pride in every game. While I’m disappointed to cut my U.S. training camp short, the opportunity to catch for new pitchers and study their repertoires will be invaluable for the upcoming season.”
Addressing concerns about his recent injury, Kim assured, “My wrist is in great shape, and I’ve been diligently preparing my body for the season. Joining such a talented roster, I’m determined to showcase my skills and live up to the responsibility placed on me.”
Kim is no stranger to international competition, having earned the KBO’s Best Defensive Catcher Award last year and participated in the 2024 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier 12 tournament.
He departed for Korea alongside fellow NC Dinos teammates Kim Joo-won and Kim Young-kyu, who were also selected for the WBC squad.
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