“We need to do better and a (young) star will emerge.”

This is the request of SSG Landers ace Kim Gwang-hyeon (36).

Last year, SSG was the ‘oldest club’ in the KBO League. The average age of the 61 players was 28.9 years old, exceeding the league average (28 years old). In particular, the aging of the pitching department was serious. As young pitchers failed to stand out, there was a lot of dependence on the ‘veteran duo’ Ko Hyo-jun (41) and Noh Kyung-eun (40). 

The beast part is not much different. Compared to other clubs where young players such as Moon Bo-kyung (LG Twins), Kim Hyeong-jun (NC Dinos), Yoon Dong-hee (Lotte Giants), and Kim Dong-hyun (Kiwoom Heroes) have created a new sensation, the pace of generational change is slow. Gwang-Hyun Kim, who is currently participating in the spring camp in Florida, USA, said, "In other teams, one or two stars emerge and their salaries rise significantly, leading to the national team. Our team doesn't have anything like that, so I hope some of them come out." He added, "This year (Premier 12) “There are international competitions, and I hope (players can participate) and gain experience,” he said.

Gwang-Hyun Kim held a ‘mini camp’ in Okinawa, Japan last month. He formed a body with five junior pitchers, including Oh Won-seok, Baek Seung-geon, Shin Heon-min, Lee Ro-woon, and Lee Ki-soon. Airfare was borne by each individual, but Gwang-Hyun Kim was fully responsible for the juniors' staying expenses, including lodging and meals. The basis for this was the hope that his juniors would perform better.  

The most important thing for growth is ‘experience’. Kim Gwang-hyun, who retired from the national team in March of last year, knows better than anyone else the importance of international competitions. He also plays in the professional baseball postseason (PS). As he is under a lot of pressure, he can become the foundation for growth. Gwang-Hyeon Kim said, “I want everyone to know that one national team game or one PS game can gain as much experience as 10 games in the season,” and added, “As the players’ skills improve, Korean baseball also improves.”

The Major League Baseball (MLB) World Tour Seoul Series will be held next month. The San Diego Padres and the LA Dodgers will play the MLB opening game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, and these teams will also play a friendly match against the national baseball team (Team Korea). SSG's reserve list (35 players) included pitcher Oh Won-seok and outfielder Choi Ji-hoon. Gwang-Hyeon Kim emphasized, "You can play close to MLB players. I think Korean baseball can develop if young players experience it. I hope we can get together from time to time and play A matches (national team games) like soccer."

Gwang-Hyeon Kim said, “I have proven over the past 17 years that I can achieve great results if I don’t get hurt. First of all, not getting sick is the most important thing,” and added, “I’m a dragon (born in 1988), so I want to hear people say that age is irrelevant. There are a lot of players on our team who will get better. “I think we can aim for the championship because even the veteran players are aware of our shortcomings,” he said with a smile. 

for more info check this :  먹튀검증