Everything has changed except for wearing the Lotte uniform, from appearance to pitching process. Lotte Giants closer Kim Won-jung (32) has strengthened his resolve to change.

Last year, Kim Won-jung, the closer for Lotte, gained free agent (FA) status. Over the past four years since transitioning to closer in 2020, he has recorded 132 saves, solidifying his role as a strong closer. When he entered the market as a free agent, several teams showed interest. However, Kim Won-jung was dedicated to Lotte. He decided to remain with Lotte for a total of 5.4 billion won over four years, putting Lotte first and not considering leaving the team.

In doing so, Kim Won-jung boldly cut off his long hair, which had been his trademark. "I intend to get a haircut on a meaningful day," he said, expressing his affection for his long hair. On the day he decided to remain with Lotte after securing his first FA, he cut off his long hair without hesitation, starting the new year of 2025 with a fresh mindset. The pitch clock system, which will be implemented this year, requires pitchers to throw within 20 seconds when there are no runners and within 25 seconds when there are runners on base. Unlike the Major League and the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), there are no restrictions on stepping off the pitching plate.

Last year, Lotte was the team with the most pitch clock violations, totaling 1,247 times, averaging 8.66 violations per game. Since it was a trial operation, there were no significant penalties, but this year, if a pitcher violates the pitch clock, it will be a ball, and if a batter violates it, a strike will be declared. Kim Won-jung was one of the players at the center of pitch clock violations.

However, since remaining with Lotte last year, Kim Won-jung has consistently claimed there is "no problem" concerning the pitch clock. He also cut off his long hair and reduced the 'tap dance' move of tapping his foot on the pitching plate before winding up, which had attracted attention. Initially, the foot motion was meant to disrupt the timing of batters but had become excessive; however, he has now minimized the foot-tapping motion. He has returned to his style before the 'tap dance.'

On the 8th, during the exhibition game opener against the KIA Tigers, Kim Won-jung smoothly threw a scoreless inning with a changed hairstyle and pitching motion. Kim Won-jung said, "I prepared a lot for the pitch clock. I think I should throw faster now; I believe that holding the ball and throwing it right away is sufficient. There is no big problem," and noted, "There used to be many unnecessary motions while pitching, but I minimized those movements and adjusted to exchange signs quickly with the catcher."

He emphasized, "I tried to reduce the movements I make on the mound, but having too many movements makes it harder to focus, so I aimed to exchange signs quickly after catching the ball and to do it quickly."

Regarding the tap dance move, he stated, "I have reduced it significantly, but it hasn't completely disappeared. There are still times when my timing is off. However, you will likely feel that the foot-tapping movement has decreased. Since batters are throwing quickly, it will be challenging for them to time their swings. I believe it will positively affect me," adding, "Since I have always thrown quickly, there will be no impact, and I have practiced reducing unnecessary movements. I think it will become clearer as I find balance in the exhibition games ahead."

There was no stress at all. Kim Won-jung remarked, "I tend not to think of the word stress itself. I try not to mention it either, as it is not a good term. I don't think about it at all," adding, "It is something that is naturally a part of the process, so I did it without any strain." Since cutting his long hair, fans have been vocal about the return of Kim Won-jung's "best days." When his face was close-up on the scoreboard during the game on the 8th, many fans cheered. He remarked, "I said I would cut my hair on a meaningful day, but many people wanted me to cut it again. I grew my hair out because I wanted to look strong on the baseball field, but now I think I need to find strength in my pitching."

After finishing four years with long hair, I feel a lot more comfortable. He stated, "If given the opportunity, I might grow it again, but honestly, right now I prefer it short. I am not thinking of growing it again at this time," adding, "Now, washing and drying my hair takes about the same time as an average guy. It's so convenient. I think I save about 30 minutes of commuting time. Combining my commute, I used to invest about 15-20 minutes just on my hair. I respect women in that regard," he joked with a laugh.

Kim Won-jung was also a member of Lotte's last postseason in 2017. He vowed, "I aim to participate in as many games as possible while staying healthy, prioritizing making the postseason over personal goals, and this year, I want the team to play at a higher level."

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