“Not being able to finish the second game is the reason for our failure in this series,” KT Wiz coach Lee Kang-chul said, reflecting on his team’s exit from the 2026 KBO postseason.
The remarks came after KT fell 12-1 to the Samsung Lions in the fifth game of the Korean Series at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, mk.co.kr reported.
The 1-4 series defeat turned the regular-season champions into an upset victim in the best-of-seven championship.
KT secured a direct bye to the Korean Series after finishing the regular season at 90-5-49, taking the opening contest before dropping four straight games to Samsung.
Defensive lapses proved decisive in the fifth game, as the club surrendered eight runs in the bottom of the fifth inning alone, fueled by two fielding errors.
The offense sputtered alongside the defense, managing just four hits and a single run in the finale.
Starter Davis Daniel allowed three runs over three innings before handing the ball to the bullpen.
Ko Young-pyo surrendered eight runs—including two earned—in 1.1 innings of relief, while Son Dong-hyun, Kim Jung-woo, Woo Kyu-min, and Ju Kwon combined to finish out the game.
Lee pointed to missed tactical opportunities during the tight matchups, particularly mentioning the grueling extra-inning loss in Game 2 after taking an 8-0 lead in the opener.
“My moves were a bit late,” Lee said regarding his use of relief pitchers and the impact of Choi Won-jun’s injury as a turning point in the series.
Despite finishing the year in second place overall, the KT coach praised his front office, players, and coaching staff for a club-record 90-win campaign.
“Congratulations to the Samsung Lions on winning the championship,” Lee said.
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