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[MyDaily = Kim Kyung-hyun at Gocheok] A 30-year-old late-blooming prospect delivered his first career walk-off — and it came as a home run. He broke down in tears during the postgame broadcast. This is the story of Kiwoom Heroes third baseman Kim Woong-bin. Manager Seol Jong-jin, who knows his situation better than anyone, offered an emotional message of support.
On the 19th at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against the SSG Landers, Kim started at third base and hit sixth in the lineup. He finished 2-for-5 with one homer, one run and two RBIs.
The moment came in his final at-bat. With the score tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth and one out with no one on, Kim crushed the fourth pitch — a fastball from Jo Byung-hyun — over the center-field wall for a walk-off homer.
It was his first career walk-off hit, and the fact it was a home run made it all the more memorable.
After the game, Kim wiped away tears during his interview with the broadcaster. Born in 1996, Kim debuted in 2016. Scouts have long recognized his hitting ability, but he rarely received consistent chances in the first team — a source of frustration for Kiwoom fans. The emotion of his first walk-off homer clearly surfaced in that moment.
Before the May 20 game, Manager Seol Jong-jin said, “His timing hasn’t been bad recently. I expected him to produce some extra-base hits, but I didn’t know one would clear the fence. He prepared really well in the Futures League.”
Seol, who has managed the Goyang Heroes organization since 2020, knows Kim Woong-bin better than most.
Reflecting on Kim’s reaction, Seol said, “I’ve always told him in the Futures League, ‘Opportunities will come someday. Don’t give up.’ He was one of those players who did well in the Futures but didn’t get many call-ups or chances in the first team. Most players would let go at that point, but Kim didn’t — he kept producing in the Futures.”
Seol added, “With our roster thin right now, him showing what he’s worked on was huge. I want to tell Woong-bin, ‘You’ve worked hard — let’s keep this going.’” He offered his congratulations.
Meanwhile, Kiwoom’s starting lineup was Seo Geon-chang (2B) – An Chi-hong (DH) – Lim Byung-wook (RF) – Choi Joo-hwan (1B) – Lee Hyung-jong (LF) – Kim Woong-bin (3B) – Kim Geon-hee (2B) – Kwon Hyuk-bin (SS) – Park Joo-hong (CF). The starter was Ha Young-min.
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