SSG Landers manager Lee Seung-yong has clarified remarks regarding closer Cho Byung-hyun’s workload at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, explaining that his comment about the pitcher throwing two innings was meant as a lighthearted joke among colleagues rather than a critique of national team management.
Clearing the Air Over Cho Byung-hyun’s Workload
The clarification follows media reports that highlighted Lee’s reaction to Cho’s two-inning outing during South Korea’s opening Group stage victory over Taiwan at Okazaki Municipal Baseball Field in Aichi Prefecture. Cho, a 24-year-old right-hander for SSG, entered in the seventh inning on September 21, throwing 22 pitches across two scoreless frames with three strikeouts to secure a 5-0 win for the national team.
A Friendly Jab Among KBO Peers
Speaking to reporters prior to SSG’s KBO League home game against the Samsung Lions at Incheon SSG Landers Field, Lee addressed the discussion directly. The manager noted his friendly relationship with national team coach Ryu Ji-hyun and emphasized that the commentary was not intended to express discomfort over Cho’s usage.
“I and coach Ryu Ji-hyun are also friends, and it was just a joke at the time,” Lee said in remarks reported ahead of the match. “I said that Byung-hyun threw two innings, but whether it’s two innings or three innings, as long as he steps on the mound, he should win the gold medal.”
Disciplined Bullpen Management in Incheon
Within the KBO, SSG has maintained a disciplined approach to managing its bullpen to prevent arm fatigue. Under pitching coach Kim Hyun-ho, Cho’s workload has been carefully monitored during the regular season. Across 52 appearances this year, Cho has been asked to pitch multiple innings only four times—with three of those outings lasting four outs and one outing lasting five outs. Because of this structural caution, initial reports framed Lee’s observation around Cho’s extended workload as a sign of surprise, an interpretation the manager quickly dismissed.
“Aren’t our players doing really well right now?” Lee asked with a smile. “Because we didn’t do well before, we have to work even harder.”
International Break Success for SSG Stars
Beyond Cho, SSG is closely tracking two other club representatives on the national team roster: infielder Jeong Jun-jae and catcher Cho Hyung-u. Both players experienced offensive fluctuations heading into the international break, batting .222 and .226 respectively over their final 10 domestic games. However, both have delivered standout performances in Japan, highlighted by Cho Hyung-u hitting a grand slam and driving in five runs during a blowout win against Hong Kong, while Jeong Jun-jae finished a game with four hits and three RBIs.
Military Service Exemptions on the Line
For SSG, a gold medal at the Asian Games carries significant organizational implications. While Cho Byung-hyun has already completed his mandatory military service through the Sangmu tactical unit, both Jeong and Cho Hyung-u have yet to fulfill their service requirements. Securing a gold medal would exempt them from standard military conscription, requiring only basic training and allowing them to continue their professional careers without a multi-year interruption.
“Before the three of them left for the Asian Games, I told them, ‘You must win the gold medal no matter what, you have to go with that kind of mind,'” Lee said. “I think you can only win a medal if you go with a desperate heart.”
Lee expressed confidence in the current tournament setup, noting that adequate rest periods and thorough preparation have positioned the team well for the medal rounds. “Fortunately, the preparation was done well and they were given rest time, so I hope they can hold out until the end and definitely bring back the gold medal, and I will cheer for that.”
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