This year, the atmosphere maker of the stiff media day was baseball's representative talker, Kim Tae-hyung, manager of the Lotte Giants.

Kim Tae-hyung showcased his unique speaking skills at the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Media Day & Fan Fest held at the Lotte Hotel World in Seoul on the 20th, making the venue a sea of laughter.

Kim Tae-hyung, who entered with captain Jeon Jun-woo and Yoon Dong-hee, opened his mouth with a pledge, saying, "Lotte has not been able to reach the postseason for several years, but this year the players have prepared well. Since the skills of young players have improved a lot, we will definitely reach the postseason this year."

Next, all 10 team managers were given a common question: "I hope fans come to the stadium to see 'this player' for each team." This was a time to mention key players this year who could attract fans to each team.

Kim Tae-hyung took the microphone and said, "Our team has a lot of popular young players. Here is Yoon Dong-hee, who, although still young, must lead the team to some extent."

True to his reputation as a talker, Kim Tae-hyung did not wrap up his answer in a regular way. He said, "In fact, Hwang Seung-bin would probably like to tell his story too, but he hasn't gotten that far yet. Judging by his appearance, Yoon Dong-hee has to lead the team. Please keep an eye on Yoon Dong-hee," making the fans and reporters at the media day laugh heartily.

In the section explaining the unique passionate fan sentiment of Busan fans, Kim Tae-hyung also displayed his sharp wit. He said, "When I was with Doosan, even if the fans recognized me, they wouldn't act like it. If they did, it was just a nod. But in Busan, they come right up to me. They make eye contact and greet me. However, the sauna greetings are a little uncomfortable," he added with a laugh. "That shows how passionate the fans are. We must play well in baseball to repay that. That's our job."

Lotte has not been invited to the postseason for seven years since the era of manager Jo Won-woo in 2017. The manager, Kim Tae-hyung, known as the "victory contractor," took the helm last year but remained in 7th place after various trials and errors. To repay the passionate love of the fans, he is determined to reach the postseason this year at all costs.

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