It turns out that if Nak Sung-beom (KIA Tigers) competes in the opening game of the 2025 season, he will step onto the opening stage for the first time in three years. This year, he seems healthier than ever, and perhaps due to feeling good at the plate, he is already looking forward to the opening.

The KIA Tigers won 4-1 against Doosan Bears in a practice game held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 13th. KIA is on a two-game winning streak in practice games with a record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, giving them a .500 winning percentage.

It was a game where 'Captain' Nak Sung-beom's batting stood out the most. Starting as the Tigers' fourth right fielder, he recorded 2 hits and 1 RBI in 3 at-bats, achieving a multi-hit game on his own. In the top of the 1st inning with 2 outs and a runner on 1st, he hit a single to right against Doosan's Kwak-bin, then faced Kwak-bin again in the top of the 3rd inning with one out and runners on 1st and 2nd, hitting a timely single that dropped in front of the center fielder for an RBI, giving him a practice game batting average of 40 percent.

After the game, Nak Sung-beom said, "I think the ball is easier to see than I expected. I feel good. I'm in such good shape that I want the season to start soon."

When asked about the reason for his good hitting feeling, he replied, "In the past, I felt psychologically at ease only after playing many games, but now that I have accumulated experience, I don’t feel the need to do that. It was necessary to increase my training volume before the season, and that’s why I told the coach that I would start participating in practice games instead of camp from a few years ago. I focused more on training during camp."

Ahead of the 2022 season, Nak Sung-beom signed a free agent contract with KIA worth 15 billion won over six years and suffered various injuries from his second year onwards. Unfortunately, he was injured before the season and missed the opening games in both 2023 and 2024. He had calf issues in 2023 and hamstring problems last year.

This year is different. He did not participate in the second spring training practice games in Okinawa, Japan, and strengthened his lower body through running drills. Nak Sung-beom expressed satisfaction, saying, "Originally, I start training in early December, but last year I rested for about two weeks after finishing the season and then started preparing from mid-November. I have done a lot of running and stretching. I did the same during camp and am still running a lot now. I definitely feel lighter."

Not only Nak Sung-beom himself but also KIA's preparation for the season is progressing smoothly. Nak Sung-beom said, "Both the pitchers and position players are showing good preparation. Although we did not show a good performance at the beginning, we are getting better as we play more games. If we continue like this, I think we can present a good performance to the fans this season."

Despite being a weekday practice game, 8,000 spectators entered the stadium, creating an atmosphere of support comparable to the regular season. KIA's traveling fans contributed by lining up from 7 a.m.

Nak Sung-beom said, "I was surprised when suddenly so many fans came in. I thought there wouldn't be many people, but I’m grateful that so many came. Even though it was a practice game, the atmosphere felt like the regular season had started. Thank you for creating a good atmosphere so I won’t be nervous on opening day."

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