Full Count (2023–…): Season 1, Episode 2 - The Revolt of the Underdogs - full transcript
Kiwoom, the underdogs, dream of their revolt in the league.
(loud thud)
(upbeat music)
YURA: Before the 2022 season started,
the majority of experts didn't include
Kiwoom Heroes as a team
that would make it to the top five.
CASTER: It goes over the wall!
(crowd cheering)
Who is this home run hitter?
The best hitter in Korea, Lee Junghoo.
JUNGHOO: No one anticipated
our team to do well this season,
but we performed well enough
to make a movie out of it.
-How are you?
-Hello.
-(phone rings)
-Hello?
KIM JAEWOONG
CASTER 1: It pops up a bit.
He catches it!
-And to second base!
-(crowd cheering)
It's a double play!
(cheering continues)
-He didn't even hesitate for one second.
-(caster 2 gasps)
CASTER 2: It goes over the second baseman!
Two runners on bases!
They are heading for the home base!
To home!
He misses the ball
and the runner gets to third base!
STAFF 1: We're interviewing
Kiwoom Heroes' Lee Junghoo.
STAFF 2: Okay.
Before the season began, we weren't
in the top five anticipated teams.
JUNGHOO: Even before we gave it a shot,
we were rated one of the worst teams.
I was offended.
-(machine cranks)
-(clacks)
Everyone hates us.
(clears throat)
It doesn't matter.
(upbeat music)
YONGKYU: I think I misunderstood the team.
Kiwoom Heroes is not a team that endures,
but a team that is good.
(players shouting and whooping)
SUNGMUN: It was amazing.
I was playing the same game
in the same stadium,
but my teammates are amazing.
EP. 02
THE REVOLT OF THE UNDERDOGS
(grand celebratory music)
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 1: With this, the final festival
of the postseason
in the 2019 KBO League has begun.
CASTER 2: The second hitter,
Kim Haseong.
He's a strong number-two hitter.
JUNGHOO: When I first entered the team
when I was 20,
Haseong was my immediate senior.
Haseong had experienced
what I was going through already.
He was in the starting lineup
at a young age like I was.
That's why he really understood me well.
CASTER: Kim Haseong is
a difficult player to face
for the opponent.
(clacks)
Shortstop! He fails to catch it.
A hit near the center fielder.
Kiwoom Heroes' Kim Haseong,
the number-two hitter,
is the first one to make a hit
in the 2019 Korean Series.
The Grandson of the Wind.
Lee Junghoo, MVP of the playoffs.
(clonks)
-It's a strikeout. But he goes for second!
-(crowd cheering)
Kim Haseong with the steal.
It's two outs,
but the runner is in a scoring position.
And in the box is Kiwoom's
most terrifying hitter, Park Byungho.
In the case of Byungho,
he was like the symbol of our team.
He was always the first one
to come and get ready.
He's not much of a talker,
but he shows himself through his actions.
JUNGHOO: I learned a lot from that.
(clacks)
CASTER: It bounces by the second baseman.
The second baserunner, Kim Haseong,
is going for home base.
No doubt!
The best hitter in Korea,
Park Byungho of Kiwoom Heroes.
YURA: Watching the players
move around in the dugout,
you can tell
that Park Byungho has a big influence.
Kim Haseong is the leader of the group.
He bridges the gap in the relationship
between the seniors and juniors.
And there was a time when Lee Junghoo,
under the two players' guidance,
really improved as a player.
I'd like to thank Park Byungho
and the other seniors on my team
for fostering an environment
in which we can run around
and enjoy baseball.
I'll practice hard over the winter
so that I can play even better next year.
Many expected Kiwoom Heroes
to have a solid chance at the cup in 2020.
2020 KBO WILDCARD GAME 1
KIWOOM HEROES VS LG TWINS
CASTER 1: Bases are loaded with two outs.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
-He makes contact!
-CASTER 2: It's a walk-off!
CASTER 1: The LG Twins advances
to the semi-playoffs of the fall season!
YURA:
Kiwoom began to fall in the rankings.
What hurt them the most was that
right after that season, Kim Haseong...
joined the Major League Baseball.
ANCHOR: The San Diego Padres
officially announced
their contract with Kim Haseong.
BYUNGHO: Let's give a round of applause
to Kim Haseong who will be leaving us.
-PLAYER 1: Goodbye.
-PLAYER 2: Thank you.
HASEONG: For seven years,
thank you for taking care of me
and for letting me become
a better baseball player.
ALL: Kim Haseong!
(all laughing and applauding)
This really suits you.
BYUNGHO: Hey. Can you see, Haseong?
(laughter)
-Haseong.
-JUNGHOO: We have your PS4.
(all gasp and applaud)
HASEONG: You wanted it.
-(Junghoo grunts)
-(laughter)
-PHOTOGRAPHER: One, two, three.
-ALL: Let's go!
(camera shutter clicking)
ANCHOR 1: Park Byungho of Kiwoom Heroes
has transferred
to the winning team, KT Wiz.
ANCHOR 2: When Park Byungho,
Kiwoom's representative player,
announced his departure,
some fans started a truck protest
to express their opposition.
KO YURA
SPOTV REPORTER
It was shocking.
JUNGHOO: I was already aware
that he was leaving the team.
Before he made the announcement,
he came to me and told me
that he was going to transfer.
A part of me doubted it.
When I woke up and read the news,
I was shocked as well.
I couldn't believe it.
He wasn't offered an FA contract
from the team that he had believed in.
YURA: Park Byungho's teammates
and even his fans
were absolutely shocked by the transfer.
JAEHWAN: The first hitter of KT Wiz is
a player who has played
for Kiwoom Heroes for a long time
and has gifted us with many memories.
Please welcome Park Byungho.
CASTER: Park Byungho, the fourth hitter.
Now he is Park Byungho of KT wiz.
PARK BYUNGHO
(crowd cheering and applauding)
PARK BYUNGHO
JUNGHOO: I'm still young as a player.
I'm only 25 years old.
If I were on another team,
I would still be learning from my seniors.
I would be in a position
where I would be scolded.
But all my seniors who played baseball
with me aren't here anymore.
And that makes me sad.
YURA: Unlike the nine other baseball clubs
in the KBO,
they have unique ownership.
The other clubs are sponsored
by the corporation that owns the club.
But Kiwoom is basically
a self-operating club.
Within the baseball industry,
they're known for being poor as a club.
That's why the other teams' players
joke around and say, "Your team is poor."
GOHEUNG GEOGEUM BASEBALL STADIUM
SPRING CAMP
YURA: With 2022 around the corner,
most experts predicted
that Kiwoom Heroes would do poorly.
PROBABILITY OF MAKING IT TO THE TOP 5
KIWOOM: 1.3%
JUNGHOO: Personally, it hurt my pride.
I don't know
why people analyze us that way.
I trained at spring camp with the thought
that I'll change how they think about us.
Lee Junghoo is most definitely
a superstar.
WOOYOUNG: But the issue was his teammates.
How well can they support Lee Junghoo?
I wasn't furious but a bit annoyed.
People kept saying
that we were going to lose.
(camera shutter clicking)
WOOYOUNG: It's hard to predict
when Kiwoom is going to become explosive.
That's the type of DNA our team has.
(exciting music)
-(machine clonks)
-(clacks)
-(whoops)
-(laughter)
JUNGHOO: Even without seasoned seniors,
the rest of our players are still young.
We can prove them wrong.
PUIG
I'M GOING TO REVEAL THE REASON
BEHIND MY DECISION TOMORROW
ANCHOR: Next year is going
to become hotter because of this player.
Kiwoom Heroes recruited
Ryu Hyunjin's old colleague, Yasiel Puig.
(dings)
LANDED
SUNGHO: All baseball fans
know or have heard the name Puig.
Because of Ryu Hyunjin,
we've been seeing Puig
since he was a Dodger.
MAN: There are other guests too.
Please move back.
We'll give you enough time.
YURA: Puig was an All-Star
for the National League.
-(camera shutter clicking)
-So everyone knew he was a great player.
JUNGHOO: When I was playing baseball
in middle school,
Puig was already a famous player
in the Major League.
So when I heard he was coming,
I was excited.
-(machine clonks)
-(clacks)
REPORTER: This is a big challenge
and an adventure for you.
Why did you choose to come to Korea?
(in English) I come here to play,
to prepare myself,
and do the best I can
to help your team and my team
to win the championship this year
and go to the playoffs.
JUNGHOO (in Korean): Because we don't have
many home run sluggers,
I hope Puig will help us
fill in that spot.
And I hope he and I can get along
and have a sweet season together.
BYUNGSIK:
The five of you start hitting first.
-(clacks)
-(grunts)
YASIEL (in English): Wow. Heavy.
SUNGMUN (in Korean):
Ah, everyone's too good. It's no fun.
(clacks)
(indistinct chatter)
PLAYER: He's so boring, gosh.
-It'll get fun.
-(chuckles)
What are you even saying?
CASTER: We've officially begun the season
after the opening week.
The teams are racing for the cup
in the 2022 KBO League.
In the box is the number-three hitter,
Lee Junghoo.
He made hits
in three consecutive games this season.
Out of eight games this season,
he had a hit in seven games.
BYUNGSIK: When you look at him,
you think, "Is this possible?
I've never seen anyone do that."
He's extraordinary.
When you train with him, you can feel it.
CASTER: Three and two.
We're at full count.
-(clacks)
-It's a hard-hit fly ball.
It's going up very high!
-It goes over! It goes over the wall!
-(crowd cheering)
Lee Junghoo's three-run home run!
WONKI: In my opinion, I'd like to say
he's one of the major KBO hitters.
And I'm so glad that he's on our team.
CHANHYEOK:
It was like watching a celebrity.
I felt too intimidated
to even try speaking to him.
I just stared at him in awe.
(soft chuckle)
JAEWOONG: Despite his young age,
he has strong leadership.
I can see that he knows
how to lead and teach his juniors.
Whenever he's in a baseball stadium,
he becomes competitive.
He's a great guy.
Of course, he has the techniques.
But not only that,
he has the power to lead his team.
WONKI: Although he's a young player,
I think he really learned
all the good things from past players
such as Kim Haseong and Park Byungho.
And he shares that positive energy
with the other players.
I'd like to say
that he's the leader out on the field.
SUNGMUN: All the veteran players
aren't here anymore.
That means the weight
on Junghoo's shoulders
is heavier than before.
And actually, he's a senior to me.
If you look at our baseball skills,
he's definitely my senior.
Whatever he says makes me feel at ease
because he's good at baseball.
-(bat clacks)
-YURA: People say, "Junghoo Heroes."
JUNGHOO:
Despite all the negative analysis,
our team gathered ourselves together
and tried our best
so that we can prove them wrong.
-(suspenseful drumroll)
-(mitt clonks)
NC 4 : 5 KIWOOM
BASES-LOADED WALK-OFF WALK
ANCHOR: Kiwoom Heroes' record
for the past ten games is
nine wins and a loss.
BASES-LOADED WALK
THE THIRD BASERUNNER IS PUSHED HOME
WITH A WALK WHEN BASES ARE LOADED
SEOUL GOCHEOK SKYDOME
JUNGHOO: When I got to training,
the air seemed tense.
So I was wondering why.
And suddenly,
I saw Park Dongwon packing up.
He was traded.
ANCHOR: Kia Tigers recruited
Park Dongwon, a catcher and a slugger,
through trading.
YURA: It had not even been a month
into the season.
It was huge news to the team
and the other teams as well
that their main catcher,
always in the lineup,
was traded out of the team.
-MAN: I look forward to working with you.
-DONGWON: Same here.
PARK DONGWON
SUNGMUN: He left all of a sudden.
I cried in the locker room that day.
It just...
Tears just came out of my eyes.
-DONGWON: Sungmun cried when it happened.
-(somber music)
It was tough for me too back then.
It was difficult for me
to hold my tears in.
KIM TAEJIN
KIWOOM HEROES INFIELDER
-STAFF: Thank you for coming.
-Not at all.
ANCHOR: Kiwoom traded Park Dongwon to Kia,
and in return, Kia gave them Kim Taejin,
2023 rookie round two appointment rights,
and one billion won in cash.
It's infuriating. Of course, it is.
I know that I should keep my nose out
of a business deal between two teams.
But it's still infuriating.
Because on that day,
if I recall correctly,
Jaehyun got injured.
(crowd murmuring)
CASTER 1:
The ambulance arrived immediately.
(eerie music)
CASTER 2: Goodness, he is bleeding.
YURA: With Kim Jaehyun getting injured,
Kiwoom Heroes only had Lee Jiyoung left
to play as their catcher.
We can say that they were caught
in a streak of bad luck.
For the players, it was pure chaos.
(clacks)
(crowd cheering)
(crowd applauding)
When I looked back on myself at one point,
baseball felt boring.
JUNGHOO:
It wasn't that baseball was tough.
It was more like burnout.
(excited shout)
(crowd cheering and applauding)
I don't want to say that it was tough.
JUNGHOO: But I just lost interest.
PUIG
(tense music)
YURA: I'm sure
Lee Junghoo was shaken up quite a bit.
Until now, he had his seniors
whom he trusted to lead him.
But now, all the players on his team
were looking at him to lead.
(all chanting and cheering)
JAEHWAN: Tonight,
Lee Junghoo is going to meet the fans!
Please say hello!
(fans cheering and whooping)
JUNGHOO: It's been three years
since I've seen the fans in the stadium.
And a lot of things changed
over those three years.
If you have seen the lineup,
I'm sure you've noticed the differences.
But some things didn't change.
Over here, the best caster didn't change.
(laughter)
We have Yoo Jaehwan here.
(fans cheering and applauding)
And I'm still here.
(fans cheering)
There are many things
that remain unchanged.
-And we have our mascot.
-(laughter)
And there are still
many of our old players
who have been playing with us
since more than three years ago.
I wish all the fans...
I know you guys had a rough patch as well.
But as long as I'm here,
we'll all strive to become players
that make all our fans smile.
JAEHWAN: Let's all cheer for him.
Lee Junghoo!
FANS (chanting):
Lee Junghoo! Lee Junghoo!
CASTER: In the box is
the number-three hitter, Lee Junghoo.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
He pops the inside pitch up!
It's a goner!
It travels to the far end of the wall!
Lee Junghoo's three-run home run
turns the game around once again.
But Lee Junghoo doesn't have
a grand slam on his record just yet.
-(bat clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
He makes contact.
It pops up into the sky
and travels over the wall!
It's a goner!
-Lee Junghoo's grand slam!
-(upbeat music)
LEE JUNGHOO
CASTER: Kiwoom's fans always say,
"It's pointless to worry
about Lee Junghoo."
COMMENTATOR: That's right.
(upbeat music continues)
-(clacks)
-CASTER: The count is two and two.
-He misses the catch, and it's a hit!
-(crowd cheering)
COMMENTATOR:
Lee Junghoo's divine batting skills!
Kiwoom pushes LG out
with a two-game difference.
LEE JUNGHOO,
HIT THE BALL HERE
CASTER: Next up is Lee Junghoo,
number three.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
He makes contact into the center.
And it's a goner!
LEE JUNGHOO,
HIT THE BALL HERE
CASTER: The leader in strikeouts.
The league's best "Doctor K,"
Kiwoom's An Woojin starts.
COMMENTATOR: Look at the scoreboard.
The velocity is 160 km/h.
That was his fastest ball this season.
(upbeat music continues)
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheers)
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheering)
(clacks)
CASTER 1: He pushes the ball out!
It stretches far to the left!
The undisputed, best home run hitter
of this generation.
-CASTER 2: The count is one and two.
-(clacks)
He swings the ball to the right!
It goes right! To the right fence!
-And it's a goner!
-(crowd cheering)
YURA: Lee Junghoo surprised all of us
with his performance in the first half
and fought his hardest to lead his team.
Kiwoom's performance in the first half
caught all of us off guard.
I'm sure no one expected Kiwoom
to end the first half of the season
in second place.
JAMSIL BASEBALL STADIUM
ALL-STAR GAME
JUNGHOO: Let's go.
(in English) Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you.
(in Korean) It's not just the back,
it's also the front.
-WOMAN: Really?
-MAN: A star like Junghoo should do it.
WOMAN: Oh, my.
(man and woman gasp in awe)
JIYOUNG: Hey, egg sushi!
Egg sushi!
(laughs)
Gosh, you are so ugly.
Act like a person.
They're saying, "I love you."
(laughs)
MAN: This is being recorded.
(in English) See you.
(fans screaming)
(in Korean) Hello.
(fans cheering)
Where's the missing star?
(fireworks crackle)
It's over there.
(popping and crackling)
(light music)
SUWON KT WIZ PARK
KIWOOM HEROES VS KT WIZ
CASTER: Kiwoom Heroes and KT Wiz
are going against each other
for the 11th time.
(pensive music)
KT Wiz has one out left
before the game ends.
If they can keep this chance going,
Park Byungho will be able
to enter the box.
The count is full.
(mitt clonks)
-COMMENTATOR: That's a ball.
-CASTER: A walk!
(crowd cheering)
COMMENTATOR: This means
that Park Byungho has a chance to hit now.
SUNGMUN:
He's a well-known home run slugger.
He's a player who conquered
the league in the past.
I was afraid.
CASTER: The batterymen are being cornered
into an unfavorable count
by batter Park Byungho.
-(clacks)
-He hits it!
-It's going very far!
-COMMENTATOR: Is it a goner?
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH, WALK-OFF HOME RUN
KIWOOM 4 : 5 KT
-CASTER: It's gone!
-(crowd cheering)
JUNGHOO: That home run went over my head.
He hit it very far.
He broke the window above.
At the center.
MOON SUNGHYUN
YONGKYU: It wasn't a fastball.
It was three balls, and I recall
Moon Sunghyun threw a slider.
He pitched a slider with three balls,
but it was so precisely hit into a homer
in the final inning with two outs.
(crowd cheering)
CASTER: Park Byungho's walk-off home run!
(all cheering)
SUNGHO: After getting hit
by Park Byungho's walk-off home run,
Kiwoom started breaking down.
(suspenseful music)
(crowd cheering)
YONGKYU:
When you lose a baseball game like that,
it leads to a losing streak.
I'm sure it's only a coincidence,
but thanks to his walk-off home run,
we began to take a dive in performance.
Any team would face some aftershock
after losing
to a walk-off home run like that.
(clacks)
JUNGHOO: Before I knew it,
I was feeling too pressured.
Whether you miss
once or twice, it's still an out.
But the feeling that I got when I missed
felt twice as worse.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
CASTER: It pops up to the center-right.
It stretches far.
It falls near the warning track
and gets caught by the center fielder.
JUNGHOO:
I had this sense of responsibility
that we're going to lose if I miss.
(clacks)
CASTER: He makes contact!
The ball goes over the third baseman!
Third and second baserunners!
They are going for home base,
and they come home!
(crowd cheering)
CASTER:
Kim Hyeseong is speaking to Kim Wheejip.
WHEEJIP: Ever since then,
things became more difficult.
"Even if the hitters miss,
the defense can save the game.
If we keep defending, a chance will come."
That's what I thought.
But after I made an error in defense...
That's when we were playing
the latter half of the season,
and we were fighting
for second and third place.
We even had a chance to drop to fourth.
2ND PLACE: KIWOOM
CASTER: LG Twins wins
the best-two-out-of-three match
against Kiwoom Heroes.
LG Twins manages to make this series
a winning series for them!
FANS (chanting): Let's go, Lee Junghoo!
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
JUNGHOO: I felt too responsible.
I didn't need to take it that far.
But I kept playing thinking
that our team is going to lose if I miss.
It took a toll on me.
COMMENTATOR: It must not be working out
for Lee Junghoo.
(mitt clonks)
CASTER:
Shortstop Park Seonghan catches the ball.
That is the final out of today's game.
SSG Landers sweeps the doubleheader
against Kiwoom Heroes.
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheering)
KIM HYESEONG
(somber music)
YURA: When Kiwoom started playing poorly
in the latter half,
those who were watching probably thought
that it was expected.
SUNGMUN: That period was like a curse.
It wasn't the real us. It was a curse.
When people said
we weren't top-five material,
I didn't think much of it.
And we came in second in the first half.
That's why I think the evaluation
in the latter half was a curse.
GOCHEOK SKY DOME
BASEBALL DAY
KIM INSIK
KIM KYUNGMOON
-I think it's about time they lose.
-(Kyungmoon chuckles)
They've been playing so well until now.
KYUNGMOON: They've been playing too well.
They did so much better
than their capacity.
MAN: Right.
KIM KYUNGMOON
KOREAN NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER
Come say hello.
WONKI: I already did, sir.
KYUNGMOON: Welcome, Manager.
It must be stressful
for you to lose after a winning streak.
-WONKI: Yes.
-Hmm? I don't know.
At first, people didn't expect you
to make it to the top five.
-So what are you talking about?
-(laughter)
Keep up the good work.
You are doing really well.
KYUNGMOON: Is it
half a game difference now?
-(camera shutter clicks)
-I'm trying not to worry about it.
Until right before the All-Star Break,
we were proceeding according to plan.
But the fight for the first place
against the SSG Landers
was all the rage,
and it was all over the news.
That ended up burdening our players.
I think August was probably
the toughest period for us this season.
A crisis like that always comes.
But our team's strong suit
is that we get back on our feet easily
and come together.
Our young players lead
that kind of positive notion.
-Please come to me, sir.
-COACH: Ah, oh...
-My space got smaller because of you.
-(laughter)
(chuckles)
COACH: Just work out by yourself.
(laughter)
CHANHYEOK:
Players have fun with one another.
But players and the coaches
also communicate freely
without any awkwardness.
That's why we, as a team,
became much more intimate.
That's our strongest suit.
Hey, Chanhyeok, why are you being filmed
like you are the main character?
(chuckles)
I don't know, sir.
COACH: This is going to be fun.
Let's watch the video.
PLAYER: Who are you to be in the video?
(chuckles)
COACH: Did you buy them coffee?
-CHANHYEOK: No, I didn't.
-You didn't buy coffee?
SUNGMUN: Gosh, he's not even grateful.
I'm sure everyone will agree
that Sungmun is
the source of our team's energy.
SUNGMUN:
If we only compliment one another,
things could become awkward.
But I criticize my teammates as a joke.
Fooling around like that
keeps us smiling and lets us
stay on good terms with one another.
-JUNGHOO: You know I'm joking, right?
-COACH: I'm sorry if I offended you.
Don't edit this part out.
-Why me?
-The true nature of Lee Junghoo.
-My true nature?
-SUNGMUN: Yes.
-"Who are you to be in the video?"
-(laughter)
JUNGHOO: I was trying to be like G-Dragon.
WHEEJIP: Even if we lose,
we sulk for about ten minutes.
After that, we become hopeful again.
And each word Lee Yongkyu says
really moves my heart,
and I'm sure my team feels the same way.
Our efforts and what we prepare
don't show as individual performances.
But it becomes a synergy
when it comes together as a team.
And I think we know
how to bring it all together.
YONGKYU: Leave the results to fate.
This is our last. Focus more on defense.
Put your effort into the little things.
Let's try our best today.
-PLAYERS: Yes, sir.
-JUNGHOO: Let's bring it in.
-YONGKYU: Let's go!
-PLAYER 1: Come on.
-PLAYER 2: I'll try my best.
-PLAYER 3: Okay!
PLAYER 4: Got it.
-WONKYU: One, two, three!
-ALL (shout): Let's go!
After six consecutive losses,
-Kiwoom Heroes has dropped in rankings.
-That's right.
THIRD PLACE: KIWOOM
FOURTH PLACE: KIWOOM
In order for Kiwoom Heroes
to break this losing streak,
they need to change things up.
COMMENTATOR: Generally speaking,
their pitchers are going through slumps.
-The hitters must make up for them.
-WOOYOUNG: Hmm.
CASTER: Puig is in the box.
(mitt clonks)
Before his arrival,
I expected a lot from him.
Naturally, my anticipation
was really high.
-(drums rolling)
-(whistles blowing)
CASTER:
He's pitching while eyeing first base.
Swings and strikes out!
(crowd cheering)
WONKI: I think it took a long time
for him to get adjusted.
It took longer than I thought.
YASIEL (in English):
...will throw 100 miles.
And I swing, you see, I don't know why...
(in Korean) He's saying he's not sure
why he can't hit
those light pitches from lefties.
YASIEL (in English):
Honestly, I don't know.
(in Korean) The swings
are supposed to be quick and simple.
But his swings were getting slow.
CASTER: Kiwoom has a runner
in scoring position to even the game out.
Lee Junghoo, the number-three hitter.
(mitt clonks)
He advances to the empty first base.
He intentionally pitched a walk,
and Puig is up next.
Let's see what the result
of this decision will be.
BYUNGSIK: He desperately wanted results.
But that desire made him impatient,
as if he was being chased.
That ended up leading him
to make plays he would never make.
CASTER: Another inside pitch.
BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH
KIA 8 : 7 KIWOOM
-He's asking for a low pitch.
-(mitt clonks)
He takes a swing!
Strikeout!
Lee Junyoung takes Puig out.
(somber music)
(thumping)
CASTER: Bases loaded with two outs.
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH
KIA 10 : 9 KIWOOM
Jeon Byeongwoo is in the box.
A hit can end the game here.
YURA: An Woojin and Lee Junghoo
weren't performing that great
compared to the first half of the season.
(mitt clonks)
CASTER: An outside pitch making a ball.
But when their performances got weaker,
the players that supported them
started becoming the heroes
when their team was in a crisis.
CASTER: This is a chance
for Jeon Byeongwoo to become a hero.
Look at the screen for the count.
He has one more strike
before the final out.
(crowd chanting)
-Jung Haiyoung's first pitch.
-(clacks)
He hits the breaking ball!
It goes to the center-left!
It goes over the left fielder!
(crowd cheering)
CASTER: Two runners! They come home!
The game is over!
Jeon Byeongwoo is today's hero!
The score is 10 to 11!
Kiwoom Heroes takes the win!
JUNGHOO: In August,
we were on a losing streak.
But there's a game where we won
with Byeongwoo's walk-off hit.
With that game,
we were able to escape our slump.
BYUNGSIK: When it comes low,
you have to swing.
(interpreter speaks in English)
YURA (in Korean):
The most crucial point for Puig was
how fast he could adapt to the KBO League.
To be honest, Puig didn't live up
to his reputation in the first half.
CASTER: It looks like Coach Kang Byungsik
is Puig's partner today.
COMMENTATOR: Right.
He's been coaching him for 40 minutes.
Looks like
personal lessons from Coach Kang.
YURA: Puig spoke great amounts
with Hitting Coach Kang Byungsik.
His efforts to adapt
to the KBO finally paid off
in the latter half.
His batting skills started to synergize
with Lee Junghoo.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIWOOM HEROES VS NC DINOS
COMMENTATOR: The ball travels far.
Will it go over?
The left fielder misses the catch.
He's going for home!
CASTER: To home base!
They are both going home!
-Out!
-He's asking for an instant replay!
COMMENTATOR: He's asking for a replay.
CASTER: He sprinted like a wild horse.
Let's see the call.
And what will he declare? He's safe!
An inside-the-park home run for Puig.
(fans cheering)
INSIDE-THE-PARK HOME RUN:
WHEN A HITTER COMES HOME
PASSING ALL BASES
WHILE THE BALL IS STILL IN PLAY
BYUNGSIK: Although he had
a rough ride in the first half,
but our relationship
as coach and player worked out
because he trusted in me.
And he followed my lead.
That served as a factor
for his performance recovery
in the latter half.
Kiwoom is a young team.
When they have the momentum,
it is extremely terrifying.
With that, their team's spirit
was at its highest.
Kiwoom's most fearful side came out
which the other teams were afraid of.
LG TWINS VS KIWOOM HEROES
(clacks)
COMMENTATOR: He fields it!
CASTER: They managed to defend this!
He was like a flying squirrel.
And a great catch.
Kim Taejin's defense.
The inning ends here.
KIM TAEJIN
He may be the final runner.
This is a dire situation for both players.
Kim Taejin versus Lee Jungyong.
(clacks)
YOON JUNGHYUN
(crowd cheering)
That will be the end of today's game!
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH, WALK-OFF HIT
LG 2 : 3 KIWOOM
(players cheering and whooping)
(crowd cheering)
CASTER:
This ends the losing streak for Kiwoom.
(in English) One team, Heroes!
(in Korean) When we're playing,
it feels like we're playing as one.
That's why I thought this team
can't do badly even if they want to.
This is the last game
between KT and Kiwoom this season.
CASTER:
Ko Youngpyo with 11 consecutive wins.
In the box is Song Sungmun,
the seventh hitter.
(buzzer alarms)
-(clacks)
-CASTER: It goes over the wall!
(all cheering)
Song Sungmun's solo home run!
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH, GAME ENDS
KT 0 : 5 KIWOOM
SONG SUNGMUN
When I look at the Kiwoom players,
I think of a roly-poly toy.
YURA: The charm of Kiwoom Heroes as a team
is that they get back on their feet
even if they keep falling down.
Every year, a big incident happens
that shakes up the whole team.
Those incidents would be unimaginable
for the other teams.
It's fascinating how they get back
on their feet every time.
If the other teams
are the flowers of baseball,
Kiwoom is like grass.
It's the most charming aspect of Kiwoom.
It was the same. They don't change.
TAEJIN: Each and every player.
They all think,
"We can win tomorrow. It's okay.
Let's see how long we keep losing.
One day, we will rise back up again."
WONKI: I believe
that each and every player on this team
is responsible for leading the team.
I don't want to pick out one leader.
SUNGMUN: It didn't matter
how many times we lost. We didn't budge.
We were never impatient.
I held out thanks to all my teammates
upholding those values.
YONGKYU: Last year,
I said that Kiwoom Heroes
is a team that is managing to endure.
But now that
I'm in my second year on the team,
I think I misunderstood the team.
Kiwoom Heroes is not a team
that endures, but a team that is good.
MAN: Everyone.
We're going to begin the meeting ceremony
of the rookies and our veteran players.
PLAYER: Go ahead.
Who is the player
that was picked in the first round?
Who is it?
-PLAYER 1: That's me.
-Hey.
Sing a song for us.
(laughter)
-PLAYER 1: Yes, sir!
-Come out front.
(laughter)
Give him the mic.
(indistinct chatter)
PLAYER 1: It'll take longer.
-PLAYER 2: It's okay.
-He doesn't look very interested.
MAN (in Korean): He sang this
about 200 times at the camp.
-PLAYER 3: Junghoo these days...
-I'll begin!
PLAYER 4: You've been ordered, No. 23.
(singing)
♪ On a sad day ♪
PLAYER 5: That's enough.
(laughter and applause)
PLAYER 6 (in English): You're out.
PLAYER 7 (in Korean):
They sang. It's your turn now.
Show them. You're their senior.
(indistinct chatter)
(laughter)
(players shouting)
PLAYER 1 (in English): No.
PLAYER 2 (in Korean):
He's sending him away.
PLAYER 3 (in English): All right, well,
the season's over boys.
Let's all go home.
WHEEJIP (in Korean): I'll go.
-PLAYER 1: What is it?
-PLAYER 2: What's that?
Are you drunk?
You have something ready?
(singing off-key in English)
♪ Let it go, let it go ♪
♪ Can't hold it back anymore ♪
(laughter and applause)
PLAYER 1 (in Korean): Good job.
Is everybody taking a turn?
Gosh.
-MAN: We'll end it with our finale.
-PLAYER 1: You ready?
PLAYER 2: Puig?
(indistinct chatter)
YASIEL: Okay. On your heads!
(laughter)
-Drop.
-(laughter continues)
MAN: Let's wrap it up here!
PLAYER: That was hilarious.
KIWOOM FINISHED IN THIRD PLACE
AND ADVANCED TO THE SEMI-PLAYOFFS
In Game One of the Wild Card Game,
KT Wiz beat Kia
and advanced to the semi-playoffs.
On the 16th, in Gocheok,
KT will face Kiwoom for their first game.
YURA: After the Wild Card Game,
the media was in a rage
about naming the semi-playoffs
as "Park Byungho Series."
"PARK BYUNGHO SERIES"
HE MEETS HIS PREVIOUS TEAM
STAFF: You guys played
against KT in the semi-playoffs.
Did you think that fate
was playing a game to set this up?
-No, not really.
-STAFF (chuckles): Oh, I see.
I just thought they were
another team we had to beat.
I didn't carry the team alone.
Everyone did well.
Baseball is a team game,
but everyone kept making the game
about Byungho and me.
I honestly didn't feel great about it.
2022 POSTSEASON BRACKET
SEMI-PLAYOFFS (BEST-OF-FIVE)
GAME 1 OF SEMI-PLAYOFFS
KT WIZ, KIWOOM
CASTER: The fall season of 2022
begins at Gocheok Sky Dome.
The two teams were fighting
over the third-place spot,
and at last,
they meet at the semi-playoffs.
YONGKYU: Trust your team, then we'll win.
ALL: Let's go!
CASTER: Defending champion, KT Wiz,
and Kiwoom made it to the postseason
for five consecutive years.
And finally, these two teams are facing
each other in the semi-playoffs.
COMMENTATOR: That's right.
With Manager Hong Wonki playing An Woojin
in the finale of the season,
they ended in third place.
CASTER: It was close between the two teams
when they competed for third place.
And their previous games
were very competitive too.
Eight wins, seven losses, and one tie.
YEONGHYUN: I think
our win rate is the same as Kiwoom's.
That's why I wasn't really afraid.
My seniors told me everything was set,
so they told me to just relax and play.
ANCHOR: An Woojin is planned
to take the mound for Kiwoom Heroes.
As I said earlier, An Woojin is
our strongest starting pitcher.
He was our first choice.
ANCHOR: He has
a lot of experience with fall baseball.
And he really proved himself this season.
But he showed a disappointing performance
against KT Wiz.
So many fans
were watching the game that day.
WOOJIN: And the air of the stadium
felt different from usual.
I didn't do well against KT Wiz
during the season.
CASTER: Game One
of the semi-playoffs will begin now.
(mitt clacks)
The first hitter, Bae Jeongdae.
The first pitch is a ball,
and he doesn't swing.
(clacks)
He hits the low pitch!
And it bounces by the shortstop!
With a very quick hit,
Bae Jeongdae advances
as the leadoff hitter.
COMMENTATOR: I don't know
how many chances they'll get in this game,
but KT has their leadoff hitter
on a base now,
which means this is a chance for them.
CASTER: The count is one and two.
A low pitch! Swings, but it's a strikeout!
-(mitt clonks)
-The count is one and two. Strikeout!
Two strikeouts in a row!
And up next is KT Wiz's designated hitter,
the number-four hitter, Park Byungho.
He hit 35 home runs this season
with an unprecedented record
of being a six-time home run leader.
After he transferred to KT Wiz,
he proved that he was still going strong.
PARK BYUNGHO
COMMENTATOR: He was injured
but recovered in just 27 days.
He made a recovery in the blink of an eye.
(clacks)
CASTER: He pops it up.
It is flying very high.
Three fielders are going for the catch.
-COMMENTATOR: He catches it!
-CASTER: He's got it.
(caster groans)
(audience applauding)
The first inning ends with that catch.
He's the hitter
that I should always be careful with.
I focused on how and where I should pitch.
COMMENTATOR: Um Sangback's changeups
have improved this season.
Let's see how effective it'll be.
We'll have to see.
YONGKYU:
They were the champions last year.
And KT Wiz as a team
was much better prepared
than during the regular season.
They were at their strongest.
Everyone expected
that the game would be a difficult one.
BOTTOM OF THE FIRST
KIWOOM HEROES' OFFENSE
CASTER:
It's a hard-hit ball! It's a fair ball.
Kim Junwan begins running!
Kim Junwan hits first base
and advances to second base!
A double for the first hitter!
Second pitch.
-(clonks)
-He bunts. It goes near third base.
Lee Yongkyu did his job well.
He lets Kim Junwan advance to third.
Weirdly enough, including me,
I don't think any of the players...
LEE YONGKYU
KIWOOM HEROES
...thought that we were going to lose.
(clacks)
CASTER: He lightly makes contact.
The shortstop fields it.
But the ball slides off his gloves.
And he goes to first.
While that's happening,
the third baserunner comes home.
Kiwoom Heroes gets the very precious
first run of the game.
(Wheejip sucks teeth)
As soon as the semi-playoffs began,
I had a good feeling.
I was confident.
I was disappointed and frustrated
because I couldn't play at first.
COMMENTATOR: Instead of Kim Wheejip,
they chose to play Sin Junwoo.
CASTER: The ball travels fast,
but the shortstop fields it!
And to first base! Out on first.
Sin Junwoo's great defensive play.
This ball... The shortstop fields it.
To first base! And he's out!
Another great defensive play
by Sin Junwoo.
COMMENTATOR:
Sin Junwoo is great at defense.
WHEEJIP: After all, if both of us do well,
it's great for all of us.
Both of us have to do well.
That's how our team can grow stronger.
I can watch Junwoo and learn from him
to try even harder.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KT WIZ'S OFFENSE
CASTER: A big swing.
Swing and a miss, strikeout!
That was 155 km/h!
It sends Park Byungho back.
COMMENTATOR: During the season, An Woojin
made some great pitches in some games.
But the pitching
that I'm seeing from him today
is the best I've seen so far.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KIWOOM HEROES' OFFENSE
CASTER: A hit at two strikes!
-A hit into right field!
-(crowd cheering)
Kim Hyeseong hits third base
and comes home safely!
Kiwoom adds a run to their score!
The score is three to zero!
He comes home!
Kiwoom Heroes with another run!
The score is four to zero!
(crowd cheering)
CASTER: The game is now in the seventh.
With Kiwoom
adding another run in the sixth,
the score is four to zero.
Kiwoom switches out An Woojin,
who played until the sixth.
And Kim Taehoon
who rested for a month takes the mound.
The first hitter
he will face is Park Byungho.
(clacks)
-COMMENTATOR: No!
-The ball is flying into the center!
-CASTER: It's over the wall!
-COMMENTATOR: It's a goner.
CASTER: It goes over the wall!
Park Byungho's solo home run
begins the counterattack!
He overcame his injury!
There's no need for him
to sprint with a home run!
He hits a solo home run
against the team
that made Park Byungho who he is today.
Park Byungho finds hope
for the team with a homer!
HYESEONG: I thought Park Byungho
really lived up to his reputation.
I thought, "Class is eternal."
When I was defending out there,
I thought
that he was on a different level.
CASTER:
He's going up against Jang Sungwoo.
The count is two and two.
The ball goes through the infield!
(crowd cheering)
KT Wiz is beginning
to penetrate through Kiwoom's mound.
-Kim Taehoon comes down from the mound.
-COMMENTATOR: Right.
CASTER: They were warming Choi Wontae up
for this moment.
Let's see if he will do well
against Kang Baekho,
Park Kyungsu, and Shim Woojun.
I pitched thinking
that I have to defend perfectly.
-CASTER: The count is three and one.
-(mitt clonks)
-It's a base on balls!
-WONTAE: I didn't do too great.
CASTER:
Runners on first and second, no outs.
(clacks)
It's a hard-hit ball!
Into the left field!
He fails to catch the ball!
It bounces off the wall!
Two runners! They come home safely!
To home base!
A two-RBI double!
Shim Woojun's two-RBI double!
KT Wiz is snapping at the heels
of Kiwoom Heroes!
The score is four to three!
I think I needed some time.
The starting pitcher can take the mound
and take the game slowly.
He can plan out the game in advance.
But the relief pitchers
must be ready, all warmed up.
I think I wasn't warmed up enough.
CASTER: Kiwoom plays Yang Kihyun.
Yang Kihyun pitches. He pushes it up!
-A hit into the right field!
-(crowd cheering)
He goes through third base!
And he comes home!
An RBI to make the game even!
The game is back to square one!
We were leading the game, four to zero.
But I remember
the score becoming four to four,
letting them catch up to us.
CASTER: KT Wiz plays one
of their strongest pitchers, Kim Minsu.
He pitched over 80 innings this season.
His hold is at 30 with an ERA of 1.90.
He really proved himself this season.
I thought that I wanted to hit this one
and bring the team spirit back up.
Kim Minsu.
-(clacks)
-A beautiful hit!
It goes over the second base!
The runner goes through third
and goes for the home base!
Kiwoom Heroes takes back the lead!
-Song Sungmun in the fall!
-(crowd cheering)
Song Sungmun's RBI takes back the lead!
YURA: Whenever I see
an insanely good player from Kiwoom,
I think that their name
really suits the team.
When they needed a hero in the fall,
a hero emerges.
Players worthy of the title "hero"
keep appearing
to live up to the team's name.
They're a scary team.
Where is the end of their potential?
CASTER:
Kim Jaeyoon of KT Wiz takes the mound
as the closing pitcher.
COMMENTATOR: This means
that they won't allow any more runs.
CASTER:
Let's see how he does against Kim Jaeyoon.
-The count is one and two.
-(clacks)
He makes contact to the left.
Alford chases and catches it!
The third baserunner
sprints for home base.
He makes it home,
and Kiwoom scores another run!
In the lead by two runs!
COMMENTATOR:
Kiwoom has a few pinch hitters left.
For left-handed hitters,
Manager Hong Wonki is considering
Kim Woongbin from earlier.
And in the box is Im Jiyeol,
the right-handed pinch hitter.
JIYEOL: I went into the game
when I was least expecting it.
I was thankful to have been given
a chance to play in such a big game.
(clacks)
CASTER: It flies to the right!
It's a big one to the right!
And it's gone!
It's a goner!
-Im Jiyeol with a two-run home run!
-(crowd cheering)
BOTTOM OF THE EIGHTH
KT 4 : 8 KIWOOM
TAEJIN: Thinking about that moment
still gives me goosebumps.
Jiyeol was out there as a pinch hitter.
And then he said, "I'll go hit that ball."
CASTER:
This is the ninth year of his career.
And finally,
in this year's regular season,
he recorded his first home run.
And in the postseason,
he hits another homer.
This is his first home run
of the postseason!
I was actually on deck.
LEE JUNGHOO
KIWOOM HEROES OUTFIELDER
JUNGHOO: It was flying so beautifully.
And the ball was pushed out.
Yeah. It was awesome.
I was warming up,
when all of a sudden, he hit a home run.
I was able to relax
now that we were leading by four runs.
CASTER: Now in the lead by four runs.
The closing pitcher,
Kim Jaewoong, takes the mound.
(mitt clonks)
-REFEREE: Strike!
-CASTER: Strike!
-(crowd cheering)
-He struck him out looking! The game ends!
The heroes of Kiwoom.
They win Game One of the semi-playoffs.
The score is eight to four!
JIYEOL: After Game One was over,
we told one another
that we can keep winning.
I told them
we'll begin a great journey together.
WHEEJIP:
I thought we could win the future games.
It's possible.
TAEJIN:
Whatever people say about this season,
I want to say
that this season was our best.
CASTER: Full count, he pushes it out!
-Into the left!
-(all cheering)
A run, two, and three runs!
It goes over the wall!
SEMI-PLAYOFFS GAME 3
KIWOOM 9 : 2 KT
YONGKYU:
When Puig hit a three-run home run
in the fall season against KT Wiz,
that game was
the most important game to us.
JIYOUNG: The pitchers pitched well.
CASTER:
An inside pitch at full count. Strikeout!
JIYOUNG: The hitters batted well.
(clacking)
SONG SUNGMUN
This is just the beginning.
(mitt clonks)
CASTER: Swing and a miss.
The game is over!
JUNGHOO: At the start,
we questioned ourselves,
"Can we really do this?"
But we can do it.
It's not a question anymore.
2022 OCTOBER POSTSEASON SEMI-PLAYOFFS
(uplifting music)
MANY EXPERTS PREDICTED KT WIZ,
THE DEFENDING CHAMPION, TO WIN
BUT KIWOOM HEROES
KEPT THE SERIES GOING UNTIL GAME 5
THEY ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS
IN THREE YEARS AFTER 2019
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheering)
THEY WILL PLAY LG TWINS, THE FRONTRUNNER,
IN THE PLAYOFFS
FOR A TICKET TO THE KOREAN SERIES
EXPERTS PREDICTED KIWOOM HEROES
WOULD LOSE ONCE AGAIN
It doesn't matter.
WONHYONG: The fact
that we couldn't play in the postseason
because we lost the final game.
MYUNGSUK: With Kim Kwanghyun
joining the team, everything changed.
People would normally call this a trauma.
CHANGMIN: Everyone was telling me
that they were reminded of 2019.
It might be a boring year. Everyone...
let's overcome this.
(bat clacks)
(intense music)
WONHYONG: We wanted to see
if we could go wire-to-wire.
NEXT EPISODE
WIRE-TO-WIRE
(upbeat music)
YURA: Before the 2022 season started,
the majority of experts didn't include
Kiwoom Heroes as a team
that would make it to the top five.
CASTER: It goes over the wall!
(crowd cheering)
Who is this home run hitter?
The best hitter in Korea, Lee Junghoo.
JUNGHOO: No one anticipated
our team to do well this season,
but we performed well enough
to make a movie out of it.
-How are you?
-Hello.
-(phone rings)
-Hello?
KIM JAEWOONG
CASTER 1: It pops up a bit.
He catches it!
-And to second base!
-(crowd cheering)
It's a double play!
(cheering continues)
-He didn't even hesitate for one second.
-(caster 2 gasps)
CASTER 2: It goes over the second baseman!
Two runners on bases!
They are heading for the home base!
To home!
He misses the ball
and the runner gets to third base!
STAFF 1: We're interviewing
Kiwoom Heroes' Lee Junghoo.
STAFF 2: Okay.
Before the season began, we weren't
in the top five anticipated teams.
JUNGHOO: Even before we gave it a shot,
we were rated one of the worst teams.
I was offended.
-(machine cranks)
-(clacks)
Everyone hates us.
(clears throat)
It doesn't matter.
(upbeat music)
YONGKYU: I think I misunderstood the team.
Kiwoom Heroes is not a team that endures,
but a team that is good.
(players shouting and whooping)
SUNGMUN: It was amazing.
I was playing the same game
in the same stadium,
but my teammates are amazing.
EP. 02
THE REVOLT OF THE UNDERDOGS
(grand celebratory music)
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 1: With this, the final festival
of the postseason
in the 2019 KBO League has begun.
CASTER 2: The second hitter,
Kim Haseong.
He's a strong number-two hitter.
JUNGHOO: When I first entered the team
when I was 20,
Haseong was my immediate senior.
Haseong had experienced
what I was going through already.
He was in the starting lineup
at a young age like I was.
That's why he really understood me well.
CASTER: Kim Haseong is
a difficult player to face
for the opponent.
(clacks)
Shortstop! He fails to catch it.
A hit near the center fielder.
Kiwoom Heroes' Kim Haseong,
the number-two hitter,
is the first one to make a hit
in the 2019 Korean Series.
The Grandson of the Wind.
Lee Junghoo, MVP of the playoffs.
(clonks)
-It's a strikeout. But he goes for second!
-(crowd cheering)
Kim Haseong with the steal.
It's two outs,
but the runner is in a scoring position.
And in the box is Kiwoom's
most terrifying hitter, Park Byungho.
In the case of Byungho,
he was like the symbol of our team.
He was always the first one
to come and get ready.
He's not much of a talker,
but he shows himself through his actions.
JUNGHOO: I learned a lot from that.
(clacks)
CASTER: It bounces by the second baseman.
The second baserunner, Kim Haseong,
is going for home base.
No doubt!
The best hitter in Korea,
Park Byungho of Kiwoom Heroes.
YURA: Watching the players
move around in the dugout,
you can tell
that Park Byungho has a big influence.
Kim Haseong is the leader of the group.
He bridges the gap in the relationship
between the seniors and juniors.
And there was a time when Lee Junghoo,
under the two players' guidance,
really improved as a player.
I'd like to thank Park Byungho
and the other seniors on my team
for fostering an environment
in which we can run around
and enjoy baseball.
I'll practice hard over the winter
so that I can play even better next year.
Many expected Kiwoom Heroes
to have a solid chance at the cup in 2020.
2020 KBO WILDCARD GAME 1
KIWOOM HEROES VS LG TWINS
CASTER 1: Bases are loaded with two outs.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
-He makes contact!
-CASTER 2: It's a walk-off!
CASTER 1: The LG Twins advances
to the semi-playoffs of the fall season!
YURA:
Kiwoom began to fall in the rankings.
What hurt them the most was that
right after that season, Kim Haseong...
joined the Major League Baseball.
ANCHOR: The San Diego Padres
officially announced
their contract with Kim Haseong.
BYUNGHO: Let's give a round of applause
to Kim Haseong who will be leaving us.
-PLAYER 1: Goodbye.
-PLAYER 2: Thank you.
HASEONG: For seven years,
thank you for taking care of me
and for letting me become
a better baseball player.
ALL: Kim Haseong!
(all laughing and applauding)
This really suits you.
BYUNGHO: Hey. Can you see, Haseong?
(laughter)
-Haseong.
-JUNGHOO: We have your PS4.
(all gasp and applaud)
HASEONG: You wanted it.
-(Junghoo grunts)
-(laughter)
-PHOTOGRAPHER: One, two, three.
-ALL: Let's go!
(camera shutter clicking)
ANCHOR 1: Park Byungho of Kiwoom Heroes
has transferred
to the winning team, KT Wiz.
ANCHOR 2: When Park Byungho,
Kiwoom's representative player,
announced his departure,
some fans started a truck protest
to express their opposition.
KO YURA
SPOTV REPORTER
It was shocking.
JUNGHOO: I was already aware
that he was leaving the team.
Before he made the announcement,
he came to me and told me
that he was going to transfer.
A part of me doubted it.
When I woke up and read the news,
I was shocked as well.
I couldn't believe it.
He wasn't offered an FA contract
from the team that he had believed in.
YURA: Park Byungho's teammates
and even his fans
were absolutely shocked by the transfer.
JAEHWAN: The first hitter of KT Wiz is
a player who has played
for Kiwoom Heroes for a long time
and has gifted us with many memories.
Please welcome Park Byungho.
CASTER: Park Byungho, the fourth hitter.
Now he is Park Byungho of KT wiz.
PARK BYUNGHO
(crowd cheering and applauding)
PARK BYUNGHO
JUNGHOO: I'm still young as a player.
I'm only 25 years old.
If I were on another team,
I would still be learning from my seniors.
I would be in a position
where I would be scolded.
But all my seniors who played baseball
with me aren't here anymore.
And that makes me sad.
YURA: Unlike the nine other baseball clubs
in the KBO,
they have unique ownership.
The other clubs are sponsored
by the corporation that owns the club.
But Kiwoom is basically
a self-operating club.
Within the baseball industry,
they're known for being poor as a club.
That's why the other teams' players
joke around and say, "Your team is poor."
GOHEUNG GEOGEUM BASEBALL STADIUM
SPRING CAMP
YURA: With 2022 around the corner,
most experts predicted
that Kiwoom Heroes would do poorly.
PROBABILITY OF MAKING IT TO THE TOP 5
KIWOOM: 1.3%
JUNGHOO: Personally, it hurt my pride.
I don't know
why people analyze us that way.
I trained at spring camp with the thought
that I'll change how they think about us.
Lee Junghoo is most definitely
a superstar.
WOOYOUNG: But the issue was his teammates.
How well can they support Lee Junghoo?
I wasn't furious but a bit annoyed.
People kept saying
that we were going to lose.
(camera shutter clicking)
WOOYOUNG: It's hard to predict
when Kiwoom is going to become explosive.
That's the type of DNA our team has.
(exciting music)
-(machine clonks)
-(clacks)
-(whoops)
-(laughter)
JUNGHOO: Even without seasoned seniors,
the rest of our players are still young.
We can prove them wrong.
PUIG
I'M GOING TO REVEAL THE REASON
BEHIND MY DECISION TOMORROW
ANCHOR: Next year is going
to become hotter because of this player.
Kiwoom Heroes recruited
Ryu Hyunjin's old colleague, Yasiel Puig.
(dings)
LANDED
SUNGHO: All baseball fans
know or have heard the name Puig.
Because of Ryu Hyunjin,
we've been seeing Puig
since he was a Dodger.
MAN: There are other guests too.
Please move back.
We'll give you enough time.
YURA: Puig was an All-Star
for the National League.
-(camera shutter clicking)
-So everyone knew he was a great player.
JUNGHOO: When I was playing baseball
in middle school,
Puig was already a famous player
in the Major League.
So when I heard he was coming,
I was excited.
-(machine clonks)
-(clacks)
REPORTER: This is a big challenge
and an adventure for you.
Why did you choose to come to Korea?
(in English) I come here to play,
to prepare myself,
and do the best I can
to help your team and my team
to win the championship this year
and go to the playoffs.
JUNGHOO (in Korean): Because we don't have
many home run sluggers,
I hope Puig will help us
fill in that spot.
And I hope he and I can get along
and have a sweet season together.
BYUNGSIK:
The five of you start hitting first.
-(clacks)
-(grunts)
YASIEL (in English): Wow. Heavy.
SUNGMUN (in Korean):
Ah, everyone's too good. It's no fun.
(clacks)
(indistinct chatter)
PLAYER: He's so boring, gosh.
-It'll get fun.
-(chuckles)
What are you even saying?
CASTER: We've officially begun the season
after the opening week.
The teams are racing for the cup
in the 2022 KBO League.
In the box is the number-three hitter,
Lee Junghoo.
He made hits
in three consecutive games this season.
Out of eight games this season,
he had a hit in seven games.
BYUNGSIK: When you look at him,
you think, "Is this possible?
I've never seen anyone do that."
He's extraordinary.
When you train with him, you can feel it.
CASTER: Three and two.
We're at full count.
-(clacks)
-It's a hard-hit fly ball.
It's going up very high!
-It goes over! It goes over the wall!
-(crowd cheering)
Lee Junghoo's three-run home run!
WONKI: In my opinion, I'd like to say
he's one of the major KBO hitters.
And I'm so glad that he's on our team.
CHANHYEOK:
It was like watching a celebrity.
I felt too intimidated
to even try speaking to him.
I just stared at him in awe.
(soft chuckle)
JAEWOONG: Despite his young age,
he has strong leadership.
I can see that he knows
how to lead and teach his juniors.
Whenever he's in a baseball stadium,
he becomes competitive.
He's a great guy.
Of course, he has the techniques.
But not only that,
he has the power to lead his team.
WONKI: Although he's a young player,
I think he really learned
all the good things from past players
such as Kim Haseong and Park Byungho.
And he shares that positive energy
with the other players.
I'd like to say
that he's the leader out on the field.
SUNGMUN: All the veteran players
aren't here anymore.
That means the weight
on Junghoo's shoulders
is heavier than before.
And actually, he's a senior to me.
If you look at our baseball skills,
he's definitely my senior.
Whatever he says makes me feel at ease
because he's good at baseball.
-(bat clacks)
-YURA: People say, "Junghoo Heroes."
JUNGHOO:
Despite all the negative analysis,
our team gathered ourselves together
and tried our best
so that we can prove them wrong.
-(suspenseful drumroll)
-(mitt clonks)
NC 4 : 5 KIWOOM
BASES-LOADED WALK-OFF WALK
ANCHOR: Kiwoom Heroes' record
for the past ten games is
nine wins and a loss.
BASES-LOADED WALK
THE THIRD BASERUNNER IS PUSHED HOME
WITH A WALK WHEN BASES ARE LOADED
SEOUL GOCHEOK SKYDOME
JUNGHOO: When I got to training,
the air seemed tense.
So I was wondering why.
And suddenly,
I saw Park Dongwon packing up.
He was traded.
ANCHOR: Kia Tigers recruited
Park Dongwon, a catcher and a slugger,
through trading.
YURA: It had not even been a month
into the season.
It was huge news to the team
and the other teams as well
that their main catcher,
always in the lineup,
was traded out of the team.
-MAN: I look forward to working with you.
-DONGWON: Same here.
PARK DONGWON
SUNGMUN: He left all of a sudden.
I cried in the locker room that day.
It just...
Tears just came out of my eyes.
-DONGWON: Sungmun cried when it happened.
-(somber music)
It was tough for me too back then.
It was difficult for me
to hold my tears in.
KIM TAEJIN
KIWOOM HEROES INFIELDER
-STAFF: Thank you for coming.
-Not at all.
ANCHOR: Kiwoom traded Park Dongwon to Kia,
and in return, Kia gave them Kim Taejin,
2023 rookie round two appointment rights,
and one billion won in cash.
It's infuriating. Of course, it is.
I know that I should keep my nose out
of a business deal between two teams.
But it's still infuriating.
Because on that day,
if I recall correctly,
Jaehyun got injured.
(crowd murmuring)
CASTER 1:
The ambulance arrived immediately.
(eerie music)
CASTER 2: Goodness, he is bleeding.
YURA: With Kim Jaehyun getting injured,
Kiwoom Heroes only had Lee Jiyoung left
to play as their catcher.
We can say that they were caught
in a streak of bad luck.
For the players, it was pure chaos.
(clacks)
(crowd cheering)
(crowd applauding)
When I looked back on myself at one point,
baseball felt boring.
JUNGHOO:
It wasn't that baseball was tough.
It was more like burnout.
(excited shout)
(crowd cheering and applauding)
I don't want to say that it was tough.
JUNGHOO: But I just lost interest.
PUIG
(tense music)
YURA: I'm sure
Lee Junghoo was shaken up quite a bit.
Until now, he had his seniors
whom he trusted to lead him.
But now, all the players on his team
were looking at him to lead.
(all chanting and cheering)
JAEHWAN: Tonight,
Lee Junghoo is going to meet the fans!
Please say hello!
(fans cheering and whooping)
JUNGHOO: It's been three years
since I've seen the fans in the stadium.
And a lot of things changed
over those three years.
If you have seen the lineup,
I'm sure you've noticed the differences.
But some things didn't change.
Over here, the best caster didn't change.
(laughter)
We have Yoo Jaehwan here.
(fans cheering and applauding)
And I'm still here.
(fans cheering)
There are many things
that remain unchanged.
-And we have our mascot.
-(laughter)
And there are still
many of our old players
who have been playing with us
since more than three years ago.
I wish all the fans...
I know you guys had a rough patch as well.
But as long as I'm here,
we'll all strive to become players
that make all our fans smile.
JAEHWAN: Let's all cheer for him.
Lee Junghoo!
FANS (chanting):
Lee Junghoo! Lee Junghoo!
CASTER: In the box is
the number-three hitter, Lee Junghoo.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
He pops the inside pitch up!
It's a goner!
It travels to the far end of the wall!
Lee Junghoo's three-run home run
turns the game around once again.
But Lee Junghoo doesn't have
a grand slam on his record just yet.
-(bat clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
He makes contact.
It pops up into the sky
and travels over the wall!
It's a goner!
-Lee Junghoo's grand slam!
-(upbeat music)
LEE JUNGHOO
CASTER: Kiwoom's fans always say,
"It's pointless to worry
about Lee Junghoo."
COMMENTATOR: That's right.
(upbeat music continues)
-(clacks)
-CASTER: The count is two and two.
-He misses the catch, and it's a hit!
-(crowd cheering)
COMMENTATOR:
Lee Junghoo's divine batting skills!
Kiwoom pushes LG out
with a two-game difference.
LEE JUNGHOO,
HIT THE BALL HERE
CASTER: Next up is Lee Junghoo,
number three.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
He makes contact into the center.
And it's a goner!
LEE JUNGHOO,
HIT THE BALL HERE
CASTER: The leader in strikeouts.
The league's best "Doctor K,"
Kiwoom's An Woojin starts.
COMMENTATOR: Look at the scoreboard.
The velocity is 160 km/h.
That was his fastest ball this season.
(upbeat music continues)
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheers)
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheering)
(clacks)
CASTER 1: He pushes the ball out!
It stretches far to the left!
The undisputed, best home run hitter
of this generation.
-CASTER 2: The count is one and two.
-(clacks)
He swings the ball to the right!
It goes right! To the right fence!
-And it's a goner!
-(crowd cheering)
YURA: Lee Junghoo surprised all of us
with his performance in the first half
and fought his hardest to lead his team.
Kiwoom's performance in the first half
caught all of us off guard.
I'm sure no one expected Kiwoom
to end the first half of the season
in second place.
JAMSIL BASEBALL STADIUM
ALL-STAR GAME
JUNGHOO: Let's go.
(in English) Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you. Thank you.
(in Korean) It's not just the back,
it's also the front.
-WOMAN: Really?
-MAN: A star like Junghoo should do it.
WOMAN: Oh, my.
(man and woman gasp in awe)
JIYOUNG: Hey, egg sushi!
Egg sushi!
(laughs)
Gosh, you are so ugly.
Act like a person.
They're saying, "I love you."
(laughs)
MAN: This is being recorded.
(in English) See you.
(fans screaming)
(in Korean) Hello.
(fans cheering)
Where's the missing star?
(fireworks crackle)
It's over there.
(popping and crackling)
(light music)
SUWON KT WIZ PARK
KIWOOM HEROES VS KT WIZ
CASTER: Kiwoom Heroes and KT Wiz
are going against each other
for the 11th time.
(pensive music)
KT Wiz has one out left
before the game ends.
If they can keep this chance going,
Park Byungho will be able
to enter the box.
The count is full.
(mitt clonks)
-COMMENTATOR: That's a ball.
-CASTER: A walk!
(crowd cheering)
COMMENTATOR: This means
that Park Byungho has a chance to hit now.
SUNGMUN:
He's a well-known home run slugger.
He's a player who conquered
the league in the past.
I was afraid.
CASTER: The batterymen are being cornered
into an unfavorable count
by batter Park Byungho.
-(clacks)
-He hits it!
-It's going very far!
-COMMENTATOR: Is it a goner?
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH, WALK-OFF HOME RUN
KIWOOM 4 : 5 KT
-CASTER: It's gone!
-(crowd cheering)
JUNGHOO: That home run went over my head.
He hit it very far.
He broke the window above.
At the center.
MOON SUNGHYUN
YONGKYU: It wasn't a fastball.
It was three balls, and I recall
Moon Sunghyun threw a slider.
He pitched a slider with three balls,
but it was so precisely hit into a homer
in the final inning with two outs.
(crowd cheering)
CASTER: Park Byungho's walk-off home run!
(all cheering)
SUNGHO: After getting hit
by Park Byungho's walk-off home run,
Kiwoom started breaking down.
(suspenseful music)
(crowd cheering)
YONGKYU:
When you lose a baseball game like that,
it leads to a losing streak.
I'm sure it's only a coincidence,
but thanks to his walk-off home run,
we began to take a dive in performance.
Any team would face some aftershock
after losing
to a walk-off home run like that.
(clacks)
JUNGHOO: Before I knew it,
I was feeling too pressured.
Whether you miss
once or twice, it's still an out.
But the feeling that I got when I missed
felt twice as worse.
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
CASTER: It pops up to the center-right.
It stretches far.
It falls near the warning track
and gets caught by the center fielder.
JUNGHOO:
I had this sense of responsibility
that we're going to lose if I miss.
(clacks)
CASTER: He makes contact!
The ball goes over the third baseman!
Third and second baserunners!
They are going for home base,
and they come home!
(crowd cheering)
CASTER:
Kim Hyeseong is speaking to Kim Wheejip.
WHEEJIP: Ever since then,
things became more difficult.
"Even if the hitters miss,
the defense can save the game.
If we keep defending, a chance will come."
That's what I thought.
But after I made an error in defense...
That's when we were playing
the latter half of the season,
and we were fighting
for second and third place.
We even had a chance to drop to fourth.
2ND PLACE: KIWOOM
CASTER: LG Twins wins
the best-two-out-of-three match
against Kiwoom Heroes.
LG Twins manages to make this series
a winning series for them!
FANS (chanting): Let's go, Lee Junghoo!
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheering)
JUNGHOO: I felt too responsible.
I didn't need to take it that far.
But I kept playing thinking
that our team is going to lose if I miss.
It took a toll on me.
COMMENTATOR: It must not be working out
for Lee Junghoo.
(mitt clonks)
CASTER:
Shortstop Park Seonghan catches the ball.
That is the final out of today's game.
SSG Landers sweeps the doubleheader
against Kiwoom Heroes.
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheering)
KIM HYESEONG
(somber music)
YURA: When Kiwoom started playing poorly
in the latter half,
those who were watching probably thought
that it was expected.
SUNGMUN: That period was like a curse.
It wasn't the real us. It was a curse.
When people said
we weren't top-five material,
I didn't think much of it.
And we came in second in the first half.
That's why I think the evaluation
in the latter half was a curse.
GOCHEOK SKY DOME
BASEBALL DAY
KIM INSIK
KIM KYUNGMOON
-I think it's about time they lose.
-(Kyungmoon chuckles)
They've been playing so well until now.
KYUNGMOON: They've been playing too well.
They did so much better
than their capacity.
MAN: Right.
KIM KYUNGMOON
KOREAN NATIONAL TEAM MANAGER
Come say hello.
WONKI: I already did, sir.
KYUNGMOON: Welcome, Manager.
It must be stressful
for you to lose after a winning streak.
-WONKI: Yes.
-Hmm? I don't know.
At first, people didn't expect you
to make it to the top five.
-So what are you talking about?
-(laughter)
Keep up the good work.
You are doing really well.
KYUNGMOON: Is it
half a game difference now?
-(camera shutter clicks)
-I'm trying not to worry about it.
Until right before the All-Star Break,
we were proceeding according to plan.
But the fight for the first place
against the SSG Landers
was all the rage,
and it was all over the news.
That ended up burdening our players.
I think August was probably
the toughest period for us this season.
A crisis like that always comes.
But our team's strong suit
is that we get back on our feet easily
and come together.
Our young players lead
that kind of positive notion.
-Please come to me, sir.
-COACH: Ah, oh...
-My space got smaller because of you.
-(laughter)
(chuckles)
COACH: Just work out by yourself.
(laughter)
CHANHYEOK:
Players have fun with one another.
But players and the coaches
also communicate freely
without any awkwardness.
That's why we, as a team,
became much more intimate.
That's our strongest suit.
Hey, Chanhyeok, why are you being filmed
like you are the main character?
(chuckles)
I don't know, sir.
COACH: This is going to be fun.
Let's watch the video.
PLAYER: Who are you to be in the video?
(chuckles)
COACH: Did you buy them coffee?
-CHANHYEOK: No, I didn't.
-You didn't buy coffee?
SUNGMUN: Gosh, he's not even grateful.
I'm sure everyone will agree
that Sungmun is
the source of our team's energy.
SUNGMUN:
If we only compliment one another,
things could become awkward.
But I criticize my teammates as a joke.
Fooling around like that
keeps us smiling and lets us
stay on good terms with one another.
-JUNGHOO: You know I'm joking, right?
-COACH: I'm sorry if I offended you.
Don't edit this part out.
-Why me?
-The true nature of Lee Junghoo.
-My true nature?
-SUNGMUN: Yes.
-"Who are you to be in the video?"
-(laughter)
JUNGHOO: I was trying to be like G-Dragon.
WHEEJIP: Even if we lose,
we sulk for about ten minutes.
After that, we become hopeful again.
And each word Lee Yongkyu says
really moves my heart,
and I'm sure my team feels the same way.
Our efforts and what we prepare
don't show as individual performances.
But it becomes a synergy
when it comes together as a team.
And I think we know
how to bring it all together.
YONGKYU: Leave the results to fate.
This is our last. Focus more on defense.
Put your effort into the little things.
Let's try our best today.
-PLAYERS: Yes, sir.
-JUNGHOO: Let's bring it in.
-YONGKYU: Let's go!
-PLAYER 1: Come on.
-PLAYER 2: I'll try my best.
-PLAYER 3: Okay!
PLAYER 4: Got it.
-WONKYU: One, two, three!
-ALL (shout): Let's go!
After six consecutive losses,
-Kiwoom Heroes has dropped in rankings.
-That's right.
THIRD PLACE: KIWOOM
FOURTH PLACE: KIWOOM
In order for Kiwoom Heroes
to break this losing streak,
they need to change things up.
COMMENTATOR: Generally speaking,
their pitchers are going through slumps.
-The hitters must make up for them.
-WOOYOUNG: Hmm.
CASTER: Puig is in the box.
(mitt clonks)
Before his arrival,
I expected a lot from him.
Naturally, my anticipation
was really high.
-(drums rolling)
-(whistles blowing)
CASTER:
He's pitching while eyeing first base.
Swings and strikes out!
(crowd cheering)
WONKI: I think it took a long time
for him to get adjusted.
It took longer than I thought.
YASIEL (in English):
...will throw 100 miles.
And I swing, you see, I don't know why...
(in Korean) He's saying he's not sure
why he can't hit
those light pitches from lefties.
YASIEL (in English):
Honestly, I don't know.
(in Korean) The swings
are supposed to be quick and simple.
But his swings were getting slow.
CASTER: Kiwoom has a runner
in scoring position to even the game out.
Lee Junghoo, the number-three hitter.
(mitt clonks)
He advances to the empty first base.
He intentionally pitched a walk,
and Puig is up next.
Let's see what the result
of this decision will be.
BYUNGSIK: He desperately wanted results.
But that desire made him impatient,
as if he was being chased.
That ended up leading him
to make plays he would never make.
CASTER: Another inside pitch.
BOTTOM OF THE SEVENTH
KIA 8 : 7 KIWOOM
-He's asking for a low pitch.
-(mitt clonks)
He takes a swing!
Strikeout!
Lee Junyoung takes Puig out.
(somber music)
(thumping)
CASTER: Bases loaded with two outs.
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH
KIA 10 : 9 KIWOOM
Jeon Byeongwoo is in the box.
A hit can end the game here.
YURA: An Woojin and Lee Junghoo
weren't performing that great
compared to the first half of the season.
(mitt clonks)
CASTER: An outside pitch making a ball.
But when their performances got weaker,
the players that supported them
started becoming the heroes
when their team was in a crisis.
CASTER: This is a chance
for Jeon Byeongwoo to become a hero.
Look at the screen for the count.
He has one more strike
before the final out.
(crowd chanting)
-Jung Haiyoung's first pitch.
-(clacks)
He hits the breaking ball!
It goes to the center-left!
It goes over the left fielder!
(crowd cheering)
CASTER: Two runners! They come home!
The game is over!
Jeon Byeongwoo is today's hero!
The score is 10 to 11!
Kiwoom Heroes takes the win!
JUNGHOO: In August,
we were on a losing streak.
But there's a game where we won
with Byeongwoo's walk-off hit.
With that game,
we were able to escape our slump.
BYUNGSIK: When it comes low,
you have to swing.
(interpreter speaks in English)
YURA (in Korean):
The most crucial point for Puig was
how fast he could adapt to the KBO League.
To be honest, Puig didn't live up
to his reputation in the first half.
CASTER: It looks like Coach Kang Byungsik
is Puig's partner today.
COMMENTATOR: Right.
He's been coaching him for 40 minutes.
Looks like
personal lessons from Coach Kang.
YURA: Puig spoke great amounts
with Hitting Coach Kang Byungsik.
His efforts to adapt
to the KBO finally paid off
in the latter half.
His batting skills started to synergize
with Lee Junghoo.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIWOOM HEROES VS NC DINOS
COMMENTATOR: The ball travels far.
Will it go over?
The left fielder misses the catch.
He's going for home!
CASTER: To home base!
They are both going home!
-Out!
-He's asking for an instant replay!
COMMENTATOR: He's asking for a replay.
CASTER: He sprinted like a wild horse.
Let's see the call.
And what will he declare? He's safe!
An inside-the-park home run for Puig.
(fans cheering)
INSIDE-THE-PARK HOME RUN:
WHEN A HITTER COMES HOME
PASSING ALL BASES
WHILE THE BALL IS STILL IN PLAY
BYUNGSIK: Although he had
a rough ride in the first half,
but our relationship
as coach and player worked out
because he trusted in me.
And he followed my lead.
That served as a factor
for his performance recovery
in the latter half.
Kiwoom is a young team.
When they have the momentum,
it is extremely terrifying.
With that, their team's spirit
was at its highest.
Kiwoom's most fearful side came out
which the other teams were afraid of.
LG TWINS VS KIWOOM HEROES
(clacks)
COMMENTATOR: He fields it!
CASTER: They managed to defend this!
He was like a flying squirrel.
And a great catch.
Kim Taejin's defense.
The inning ends here.
KIM TAEJIN
He may be the final runner.
This is a dire situation for both players.
Kim Taejin versus Lee Jungyong.
(clacks)
YOON JUNGHYUN
(crowd cheering)
That will be the end of today's game!
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH, WALK-OFF HIT
LG 2 : 3 KIWOOM
(players cheering and whooping)
(crowd cheering)
CASTER:
This ends the losing streak for Kiwoom.
(in English) One team, Heroes!
(in Korean) When we're playing,
it feels like we're playing as one.
That's why I thought this team
can't do badly even if they want to.
This is the last game
between KT and Kiwoom this season.
CASTER:
Ko Youngpyo with 11 consecutive wins.
In the box is Song Sungmun,
the seventh hitter.
(buzzer alarms)
-(clacks)
-CASTER: It goes over the wall!
(all cheering)
Song Sungmun's solo home run!
BOTTOM OF THE NINTH, GAME ENDS
KT 0 : 5 KIWOOM
SONG SUNGMUN
When I look at the Kiwoom players,
I think of a roly-poly toy.
YURA: The charm of Kiwoom Heroes as a team
is that they get back on their feet
even if they keep falling down.
Every year, a big incident happens
that shakes up the whole team.
Those incidents would be unimaginable
for the other teams.
It's fascinating how they get back
on their feet every time.
If the other teams
are the flowers of baseball,
Kiwoom is like grass.
It's the most charming aspect of Kiwoom.
It was the same. They don't change.
TAEJIN: Each and every player.
They all think,
"We can win tomorrow. It's okay.
Let's see how long we keep losing.
One day, we will rise back up again."
WONKI: I believe
that each and every player on this team
is responsible for leading the team.
I don't want to pick out one leader.
SUNGMUN: It didn't matter
how many times we lost. We didn't budge.
We were never impatient.
I held out thanks to all my teammates
upholding those values.
YONGKYU: Last year,
I said that Kiwoom Heroes
is a team that is managing to endure.
But now that
I'm in my second year on the team,
I think I misunderstood the team.
Kiwoom Heroes is not a team
that endures, but a team that is good.
MAN: Everyone.
We're going to begin the meeting ceremony
of the rookies and our veteran players.
PLAYER: Go ahead.
Who is the player
that was picked in the first round?
Who is it?
-PLAYER 1: That's me.
-Hey.
Sing a song for us.
(laughter)
-PLAYER 1: Yes, sir!
-Come out front.
(laughter)
Give him the mic.
(indistinct chatter)
PLAYER 1: It'll take longer.
-PLAYER 2: It's okay.
-He doesn't look very interested.
MAN (in Korean): He sang this
about 200 times at the camp.
-PLAYER 3: Junghoo these days...
-I'll begin!
PLAYER 4: You've been ordered, No. 23.
(singing)
♪ On a sad day ♪
PLAYER 5: That's enough.
(laughter and applause)
PLAYER 6 (in English): You're out.
PLAYER 7 (in Korean):
They sang. It's your turn now.
Show them. You're their senior.
(indistinct chatter)
(laughter)
(players shouting)
PLAYER 1 (in English): No.
PLAYER 2 (in Korean):
He's sending him away.
PLAYER 3 (in English): All right, well,
the season's over boys.
Let's all go home.
WHEEJIP (in Korean): I'll go.
-PLAYER 1: What is it?
-PLAYER 2: What's that?
Are you drunk?
You have something ready?
(singing off-key in English)
♪ Let it go, let it go ♪
♪ Can't hold it back anymore ♪
(laughter and applause)
PLAYER 1 (in Korean): Good job.
Is everybody taking a turn?
Gosh.
-MAN: We'll end it with our finale.
-PLAYER 1: You ready?
PLAYER 2: Puig?
(indistinct chatter)
YASIEL: Okay. On your heads!
(laughter)
-Drop.
-(laughter continues)
MAN: Let's wrap it up here!
PLAYER: That was hilarious.
KIWOOM FINISHED IN THIRD PLACE
AND ADVANCED TO THE SEMI-PLAYOFFS
In Game One of the Wild Card Game,
KT Wiz beat Kia
and advanced to the semi-playoffs.
On the 16th, in Gocheok,
KT will face Kiwoom for their first game.
YURA: After the Wild Card Game,
the media was in a rage
about naming the semi-playoffs
as "Park Byungho Series."
"PARK BYUNGHO SERIES"
HE MEETS HIS PREVIOUS TEAM
STAFF: You guys played
against KT in the semi-playoffs.
Did you think that fate
was playing a game to set this up?
-No, not really.
-STAFF (chuckles): Oh, I see.
I just thought they were
another team we had to beat.
I didn't carry the team alone.
Everyone did well.
Baseball is a team game,
but everyone kept making the game
about Byungho and me.
I honestly didn't feel great about it.
2022 POSTSEASON BRACKET
SEMI-PLAYOFFS (BEST-OF-FIVE)
GAME 1 OF SEMI-PLAYOFFS
KT WIZ, KIWOOM
CASTER: The fall season of 2022
begins at Gocheok Sky Dome.
The two teams were fighting
over the third-place spot,
and at last,
they meet at the semi-playoffs.
YONGKYU: Trust your team, then we'll win.
ALL: Let's go!
CASTER: Defending champion, KT Wiz,
and Kiwoom made it to the postseason
for five consecutive years.
And finally, these two teams are facing
each other in the semi-playoffs.
COMMENTATOR: That's right.
With Manager Hong Wonki playing An Woojin
in the finale of the season,
they ended in third place.
CASTER: It was close between the two teams
when they competed for third place.
And their previous games
were very competitive too.
Eight wins, seven losses, and one tie.
YEONGHYUN: I think
our win rate is the same as Kiwoom's.
That's why I wasn't really afraid.
My seniors told me everything was set,
so they told me to just relax and play.
ANCHOR: An Woojin is planned
to take the mound for Kiwoom Heroes.
As I said earlier, An Woojin is
our strongest starting pitcher.
He was our first choice.
ANCHOR: He has
a lot of experience with fall baseball.
And he really proved himself this season.
But he showed a disappointing performance
against KT Wiz.
So many fans
were watching the game that day.
WOOJIN: And the air of the stadium
felt different from usual.
I didn't do well against KT Wiz
during the season.
CASTER: Game One
of the semi-playoffs will begin now.
(mitt clacks)
The first hitter, Bae Jeongdae.
The first pitch is a ball,
and he doesn't swing.
(clacks)
He hits the low pitch!
And it bounces by the shortstop!
With a very quick hit,
Bae Jeongdae advances
as the leadoff hitter.
COMMENTATOR: I don't know
how many chances they'll get in this game,
but KT has their leadoff hitter
on a base now,
which means this is a chance for them.
CASTER: The count is one and two.
A low pitch! Swings, but it's a strikeout!
-(mitt clonks)
-The count is one and two. Strikeout!
Two strikeouts in a row!
And up next is KT Wiz's designated hitter,
the number-four hitter, Park Byungho.
He hit 35 home runs this season
with an unprecedented record
of being a six-time home run leader.
After he transferred to KT Wiz,
he proved that he was still going strong.
PARK BYUNGHO
COMMENTATOR: He was injured
but recovered in just 27 days.
He made a recovery in the blink of an eye.
(clacks)
CASTER: He pops it up.
It is flying very high.
Three fielders are going for the catch.
-COMMENTATOR: He catches it!
-CASTER: He's got it.
(caster groans)
(audience applauding)
The first inning ends with that catch.
He's the hitter
that I should always be careful with.
I focused on how and where I should pitch.
COMMENTATOR: Um Sangback's changeups
have improved this season.
Let's see how effective it'll be.
We'll have to see.
YONGKYU:
They were the champions last year.
And KT Wiz as a team
was much better prepared
than during the regular season.
They were at their strongest.
Everyone expected
that the game would be a difficult one.
BOTTOM OF THE FIRST
KIWOOM HEROES' OFFENSE
CASTER:
It's a hard-hit ball! It's a fair ball.
Kim Junwan begins running!
Kim Junwan hits first base
and advances to second base!
A double for the first hitter!
Second pitch.
-(clonks)
-He bunts. It goes near third base.
Lee Yongkyu did his job well.
He lets Kim Junwan advance to third.
Weirdly enough, including me,
I don't think any of the players...
LEE YONGKYU
KIWOOM HEROES
...thought that we were going to lose.
(clacks)
CASTER: He lightly makes contact.
The shortstop fields it.
But the ball slides off his gloves.
And he goes to first.
While that's happening,
the third baserunner comes home.
Kiwoom Heroes gets the very precious
first run of the game.
(Wheejip sucks teeth)
As soon as the semi-playoffs began,
I had a good feeling.
I was confident.
I was disappointed and frustrated
because I couldn't play at first.
COMMENTATOR: Instead of Kim Wheejip,
they chose to play Sin Junwoo.
CASTER: The ball travels fast,
but the shortstop fields it!
And to first base! Out on first.
Sin Junwoo's great defensive play.
This ball... The shortstop fields it.
To first base! And he's out!
Another great defensive play
by Sin Junwoo.
COMMENTATOR:
Sin Junwoo is great at defense.
WHEEJIP: After all, if both of us do well,
it's great for all of us.
Both of us have to do well.
That's how our team can grow stronger.
I can watch Junwoo and learn from him
to try even harder.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KT WIZ'S OFFENSE
CASTER: A big swing.
Swing and a miss, strikeout!
That was 155 km/h!
It sends Park Byungho back.
COMMENTATOR: During the season, An Woojin
made some great pitches in some games.
But the pitching
that I'm seeing from him today
is the best I've seen so far.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KIWOOM HEROES' OFFENSE
CASTER: A hit at two strikes!
-A hit into right field!
-(crowd cheering)
Kim Hyeseong hits third base
and comes home safely!
Kiwoom adds a run to their score!
The score is three to zero!
He comes home!
Kiwoom Heroes with another run!
The score is four to zero!
(crowd cheering)
CASTER: The game is now in the seventh.
With Kiwoom
adding another run in the sixth,
the score is four to zero.
Kiwoom switches out An Woojin,
who played until the sixth.
And Kim Taehoon
who rested for a month takes the mound.
The first hitter
he will face is Park Byungho.
(clacks)
-COMMENTATOR: No!
-The ball is flying into the center!
-CASTER: It's over the wall!
-COMMENTATOR: It's a goner.
CASTER: It goes over the wall!
Park Byungho's solo home run
begins the counterattack!
He overcame his injury!
There's no need for him
to sprint with a home run!
He hits a solo home run
against the team
that made Park Byungho who he is today.
Park Byungho finds hope
for the team with a homer!
HYESEONG: I thought Park Byungho
really lived up to his reputation.
I thought, "Class is eternal."
When I was defending out there,
I thought
that he was on a different level.
CASTER:
He's going up against Jang Sungwoo.
The count is two and two.
The ball goes through the infield!
(crowd cheering)
KT Wiz is beginning
to penetrate through Kiwoom's mound.
-Kim Taehoon comes down from the mound.
-COMMENTATOR: Right.
CASTER: They were warming Choi Wontae up
for this moment.
Let's see if he will do well
against Kang Baekho,
Park Kyungsu, and Shim Woojun.
I pitched thinking
that I have to defend perfectly.
-CASTER: The count is three and one.
-(mitt clonks)
-It's a base on balls!
-WONTAE: I didn't do too great.
CASTER:
Runners on first and second, no outs.
(clacks)
It's a hard-hit ball!
Into the left field!
He fails to catch the ball!
It bounces off the wall!
Two runners! They come home safely!
To home base!
A two-RBI double!
Shim Woojun's two-RBI double!
KT Wiz is snapping at the heels
of Kiwoom Heroes!
The score is four to three!
I think I needed some time.
The starting pitcher can take the mound
and take the game slowly.
He can plan out the game in advance.
But the relief pitchers
must be ready, all warmed up.
I think I wasn't warmed up enough.
CASTER: Kiwoom plays Yang Kihyun.
Yang Kihyun pitches. He pushes it up!
-A hit into the right field!
-(crowd cheering)
He goes through third base!
And he comes home!
An RBI to make the game even!
The game is back to square one!
We were leading the game, four to zero.
But I remember
the score becoming four to four,
letting them catch up to us.
CASTER: KT Wiz plays one
of their strongest pitchers, Kim Minsu.
He pitched over 80 innings this season.
His hold is at 30 with an ERA of 1.90.
He really proved himself this season.
I thought that I wanted to hit this one
and bring the team spirit back up.
Kim Minsu.
-(clacks)
-A beautiful hit!
It goes over the second base!
The runner goes through third
and goes for the home base!
Kiwoom Heroes takes back the lead!
-Song Sungmun in the fall!
-(crowd cheering)
Song Sungmun's RBI takes back the lead!
YURA: Whenever I see
an insanely good player from Kiwoom,
I think that their name
really suits the team.
When they needed a hero in the fall,
a hero emerges.
Players worthy of the title "hero"
keep appearing
to live up to the team's name.
They're a scary team.
Where is the end of their potential?
CASTER:
Kim Jaeyoon of KT Wiz takes the mound
as the closing pitcher.
COMMENTATOR: This means
that they won't allow any more runs.
CASTER:
Let's see how he does against Kim Jaeyoon.
-The count is one and two.
-(clacks)
He makes contact to the left.
Alford chases and catches it!
The third baserunner
sprints for home base.
He makes it home,
and Kiwoom scores another run!
In the lead by two runs!
COMMENTATOR:
Kiwoom has a few pinch hitters left.
For left-handed hitters,
Manager Hong Wonki is considering
Kim Woongbin from earlier.
And in the box is Im Jiyeol,
the right-handed pinch hitter.
JIYEOL: I went into the game
when I was least expecting it.
I was thankful to have been given
a chance to play in such a big game.
(clacks)
CASTER: It flies to the right!
It's a big one to the right!
And it's gone!
It's a goner!
-Im Jiyeol with a two-run home run!
-(crowd cheering)
BOTTOM OF THE EIGHTH
KT 4 : 8 KIWOOM
TAEJIN: Thinking about that moment
still gives me goosebumps.
Jiyeol was out there as a pinch hitter.
And then he said, "I'll go hit that ball."
CASTER:
This is the ninth year of his career.
And finally,
in this year's regular season,
he recorded his first home run.
And in the postseason,
he hits another homer.
This is his first home run
of the postseason!
I was actually on deck.
LEE JUNGHOO
KIWOOM HEROES OUTFIELDER
JUNGHOO: It was flying so beautifully.
And the ball was pushed out.
Yeah. It was awesome.
I was warming up,
when all of a sudden, he hit a home run.
I was able to relax
now that we were leading by four runs.
CASTER: Now in the lead by four runs.
The closing pitcher,
Kim Jaewoong, takes the mound.
(mitt clonks)
-REFEREE: Strike!
-CASTER: Strike!
-(crowd cheering)
-He struck him out looking! The game ends!
The heroes of Kiwoom.
They win Game One of the semi-playoffs.
The score is eight to four!
JIYEOL: After Game One was over,
we told one another
that we can keep winning.
I told them
we'll begin a great journey together.
WHEEJIP:
I thought we could win the future games.
It's possible.
TAEJIN:
Whatever people say about this season,
I want to say
that this season was our best.
CASTER: Full count, he pushes it out!
-Into the left!
-(all cheering)
A run, two, and three runs!
It goes over the wall!
SEMI-PLAYOFFS GAME 3
KIWOOM 9 : 2 KT
YONGKYU:
When Puig hit a three-run home run
in the fall season against KT Wiz,
that game was
the most important game to us.
JIYOUNG: The pitchers pitched well.
CASTER:
An inside pitch at full count. Strikeout!
JIYOUNG: The hitters batted well.
(clacking)
SONG SUNGMUN
This is just the beginning.
(mitt clonks)
CASTER: Swing and a miss.
The game is over!
JUNGHOO: At the start,
we questioned ourselves,
"Can we really do this?"
But we can do it.
It's not a question anymore.
2022 OCTOBER POSTSEASON SEMI-PLAYOFFS
(uplifting music)
MANY EXPERTS PREDICTED KT WIZ,
THE DEFENDING CHAMPION, TO WIN
BUT KIWOOM HEROES
KEPT THE SERIES GOING UNTIL GAME 5
THEY ARE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS
IN THREE YEARS AFTER 2019
-(mitt clonks)
-(crowd cheering)
THEY WILL PLAY LG TWINS, THE FRONTRUNNER,
IN THE PLAYOFFS
FOR A TICKET TO THE KOREAN SERIES
EXPERTS PREDICTED KIWOOM HEROES
WOULD LOSE ONCE AGAIN
It doesn't matter.
WONHYONG: The fact
that we couldn't play in the postseason
because we lost the final game.
MYUNGSUK: With Kim Kwanghyun
joining the team, everything changed.
People would normally call this a trauma.
CHANGMIN: Everyone was telling me
that they were reminded of 2019.
It might be a boring year. Everyone...
let's overcome this.
(bat clacks)
(intense music)
WONHYONG: We wanted to see
if we could go wire-to-wire.
NEXT EPISODE
WIRE-TO-WIRE