[Photo] Ko Young-Min joins KIA as new coach

For the 2026 season spring camp, the KIA coaching staff and foreign players departed for Amami Ōshima, Japan, via Gimpo International Airport on the 22nd.

On the 22nd, KIA, which trained in Irvine, Calif., last year, chose Amami Ōshima, a remote island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, as the first training site. Shim Jae-hak, KIA Director General, said, "We trained in the United States and did not get the results we wanted," and noted, "Even considering the time difference, we assessed that Japan was better. When we conducted an on-site inspection, it was an environment just right for focusing solely on training."

KIA coach Ko Young-Min is smiling Jan. 22, 2026

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