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The 30-player South Korean national baseball squad for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), scheduled for March, has been confirmed. The roster features MLB veterans like Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha), Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants), and Kim Hye-seong (LA Dodgers), along with four Korean-American players currently competing in MLB.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) revealed the final World Baseball Classic (WBC) team at a press conference held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 6th, which was attended by national team manager Ryu Ji-hyun and other officials. The national squad consists of 15 pitchers and 15 position players, with the highest number of players coming from LG, totaling six, followed by Hanwha with five. Four Korean-American players are set to represent the country: outfielder Jamaal Jones (Detroit Tigers), infielder Shay Whitcomb (Houston Astros), pitchers Dane Dunning (Seattle Mariners), and Riley O’Brien (St. Louis Cardinals), who will wear the national emblem. O’Brien is anticipated to take on the role of closing pitcher.

Lee Jung-hoo has been appointed as the team’s captain. Manager Ryu Ji-hyun stated, “Lee Jung-hoo is the player currently leading the way as a representative of South Korea,” and mentioned, “Since the team consists of both Korean-American and players based abroad, a connection was needed.”

South Korea will compete against the Czech Republic, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Australia during the group stage taking place in Tokyo, Japan. To progress to the quarterfinals in Miami, United States, they need to secure at least a second-place finish. Given that Japan has a strong team featuring Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers), the most critical games are expected to be against Chinese Taipei and Australia. Manager Ryu said, “Our main objective is to move on to the next round,” and he also mentioned, “We will strive to achieve positive outcomes for the fans and all those who follow baseball.”