Ryu Joong-il's delightful Hangzhou Asian Games. However, the question mark did not fall off for just one player.

Choi Won-joon (27), Kia Tigers' "reserve outfielder" who joined the final list but did not play in any single game, is the hero. When Choi was included in the final entry for the national baseball team, which was announced as soon as he finished his military service at Sangmu, he was expected to utilize various things in the field defense. However, he did not show up after the competition began, arousing curiosity. As it was belatedly revealed that he was injured after being hit by a pitch in his calf before leaving the country, and failed to show up until the final, Choi ended the Asian Games in vain by playing in "0 games." After returning to Kia, he was diagnosed with fascia of the calf and fine muscle damage for up to eight weeks after returning to his team, which had to suffer bad luck as he was out for the season.스포츠토토

The year 2023 ended in disappointment but Choi succeeded in making 2024 his best year. This year, he posted a batting average of 292 (on-base plus slugging) of nine homers and 56 RBIs in 136 games in the KBO League (128 hits in 438 times at bat), and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 0.791. He failed to reach the batting average of 300, but his home runs (nine) and RBIs (five6) were career-high, and his on-base percentage was 0.371. In defense, he alternated positions as center fielder and corner outfielder, contributing to his team's V12.

Ahead of the 2024 WBSC Premier 12, Ryu Joong-il, the coach of the Korean national baseball team, called on Choi again. He now has an opportunity to address his regret that he did not participate in even though he joined the final entry for the Asian Games a year ago.

My shoulders are heavier than a year ago.

Only three days before his departure, Ryu Joong-il's outfield composition has turned on a red light. Samsung Lions captain Koo Ja-wook got hurt during the playoffs and Kim Ji-chan also got out of the team due to an ankle injury. Currently, only four outfielders are Choi Won-joon and Hong Chang-ki (LG Twins), Lee Ju-hyung (Kium Heroes) and Yoon Dong-hee (Lotte Giants). "The outfielders should be four. If it is urgent, Shin Min-jae (LG) can play in the outfield," Ryu said, hinting that there will be no additional recruitment.

Choi Won-joon joined this year's opening entry and spent a full-time season through the final pennant race to the Korean Series. It is a time when physical burden is inevitably increased. In the Korean Series, the pace deterioration was noticeable due to the overlapping physical burden. However, he has been off to a good start, recording hits in both games against Gocheok Cuba on the 1st and 2nd.

Ryu comprised Hong Chang-ki, Lee Ju-hyung and Yoon Dong-hee in the outfield in two matches against Cuba. Choi is highly likely to take the role of supporting the team. Given that not only defense but also hitting and basing capabilities are widely used, expectations are high that he will play the role of a hidden card for the national team in this Premier 12.

It is Choi Won-jun, who once again carried the national flag with his tired body, just as he answered the call of the Asian Games after serving in the military. This season, when he served as a wheat grain of V12, he is dreaming of joy once again in the national team.