Why Samsung Lions’ Star Pitcher Won Tae-in’s Outburst Sparks Controversy: A Deep Dive

Translation result ▲ Won Tae-in ⓒ Samsung Lions

[SPOTV News=Daegu, Reporter Yoon Uk-jae] It was inappropriate and reckless

As the team’s ace, he should have held back. Manager Park Jin-man saw it the same way.

Won Tae-in (26), the Samsung Lions’ marquee ace, found himself apologizing to fans after an on-field gesture sparked an unexpected controversy.

On April 19 at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Won took the mound as the starter against the LG Twins.

He struggled, surrendering four runs in the fourth inning alone. It was his second appearance since returning from injury — he wanted to perform well, but the results didn’t follow.

In the top of the fourth, with one out and runners on second and third, Won induced Lee Young-bin to hit a grounder to second. Third-base runner Cheon Seong-ho charged home, but second baseman Ryu Ji-hyeok prioritized the throw to first to secure the out. Cheon scored, adding another run to the inning — and Samsung surrendered a 0-4 lead.

Cameras picked up Won making a displeased gesture and mouthing what looked like a curse, which ignited debate among fans. Some speculated the gesture was an act of insubordination aimed at veteran teammate Ryu Ji-hyeok.

Veteran catcher Kang Min-ho later commented on the team’s official SNS to clear up the misunderstanding, saying Won’s actions were part of a complaint to Ryu about how the LG third-base coach’s exaggerated motions made it hard to concentrate.

The situation escalated, though, and attention shifted toward LG. Even though Kang didn’t name anyone, many inferred he was referring to Jung Su-seong, LG’s third-base coach.

▲ Won Tae-in ⓒ Samsung Lions ▲ Won Tae-in ⓒ Samsung Lions

Won insisted his gesture was not directed at Coach Jung. \”I was on edge, so I probably made those gestures and comments. I understand how it could have looked like it was aimed at the coach. I’ve replayed the video a lot to reflect,\” Won said. \”I thought the coach could have been offended, and I acknowledged that and apologized.\”

The episode concluded when Won called Coach Jung to apologize. Park Jin-man said he was disappointed that the team’s ace failed to fully control his emotions.

\”A player of Won’s stature should have restrained those emotions,\” Park said. \”I hope this becomes a learning moment and helps him mature. Still, for one of our ace-level players to act that way was inappropriate and careless. I agree with that assessment.\”

On Kang Min-ho’s SNS post, Park added briefly, \”(Kang) Min-ho is our most senior player, and I believe he spoke up for the team.\”

People sometimes lose their cool in the heat of competition. But Won is an icon for many baseball fans and a central figure for the Samsung brand. Park’s expectation that he control his emotions reflects the responsibility that comes with that status.

▲ Won Tae-in ⓒ Samsung Lions ▲ Manager Park Jin-man ⓒ Samsung Lions