SSG 랜더스, 김광현을 위한 특별한 응원: ’29번 모자’의 의미는?

Daniel Kim 2026.03.17 Views

Photo: SSG

[Incheon=Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young] The SSG Landers have rallied around ace Kim Kwang-hyun as he rehabs a shoulder injury in Japan.

SSG is scheduled to play a home exhibition against the Samsung Lions at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 17th as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League spring exhibition slate.

The club said that beginning with the team’s first home exhibition against Samsung on the 16th, players started sending a special message: each player’s cap clearly displays ace Kim Kwang-hyun’s jersey number, 29.

The gesture was proposed by manager Lee Soong-yong and captain Oh Tae-gon to support Kim while he undergoes shoulder rehabilitation in Japan. It was meant to express the team’s hope that their cornerstone pitcher returns to full health as soon as possible.

Before the game, players took turns writing the number on each other’s caps in the dugout to reinforce their resolve. Though Kim isn’t on the mound, the team wanted to emphasize that he’s still part of the “one team” spirit.

Within the clubhouse, Kim represents more than just a pitcher. He’s a role model for younger players and a steady presence for teammates. Rather than lament his absence, the roster used the No. 29 caps to signal a promise: they’ll keep the lineup winning until their ace is back.

“Talking with the manager reminded me again how well Kwang-hyun has led this team as our captain,” Oh Tae-gon said. “With our franchise player unexpectedly sidelined, the manager, coaches and I agreed to write his number on our caps and play. We wanted every player to show that we’re playing with Kwang-hyun in our hearts.”

Kim Geon-woo admitted he feels the weight of the situation. “I was looking forward to working through the rotation alongside him, learning from him and getting his advice, so it’s disappointing,” he said. “But he hasn’t left the team — I feel like he’s always with us. I can reach out for guidance whenever I need to, and I’ll do my part so his absence isn’t felt. I’m prepared to log the required innings this season to help the team.”

Choi Jeong, who shares leadership responsibilities with Kim, added, “We prepared together at camp, so it’s a shame we won’t open the season together. I hope Kwang-hyun returns soon so we can play alongside him. All of us will take the field with the mindset that we’re in this together.”

Before the game, manager Lee Soong-yong addressed Kim’s condition: “There’s nothing more I can add right now. We’ll see how he does after rehab. He said he can throw at over 60 percent, but we need to assess the pain level when he pitches. We don’t yet know if surgery will be necessary. First, there has to be no pain. Then we can estimate when he’ll rejoin. He only needs to stay in Japan a few more days and should be back sometime this month.”

Lee went on to explain, “It seems he had been carrying some pain for a while. We managed it a lot last season, but the recurrence came sooner than expected.”