‘Daily MVP’ Samsung Kim Ji-chan takes Choi Hyeong-woo’s advice to heart and makes two timely hits

(Daegu = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Dong-han = Kim Ji-chan (25) of the professional baseball Samsung Lions took note of veteran Choi Hyeong-woo's words and hit a timely hit that led the team to advance to the Korean Series.

Ji-chan Kim performed well with 3 hits in 4 at-bats, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, and 1 stolen base in the home game against the KIA Tigers in Game 5 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs (PO, 3 wins out of 5) held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 1st, leading the team to a 6-1 victory.

He, who was selected as the daily MVP (MVP) that day, recalled the advice Choi Hyung-woo gave him after the game.

Kim Ji-chan said, "(Choi) Hyeong-woo told me before the game, 'If you lose, it's over, so don't regret losing and let's boldly do what you can.'" He added, "Those words helped me at the plate. I turned the bat confidently and the results were good."

Kim Ji-chan only had a batting average of 0.176 (3 hits in 17 at-bats) and 1 RBI until the 4th game of this PO. There were no goals scored.

He looked back and said, “Personally, I didn’t feel like the hitting was bad, but I was disappointed that the results didn’t come out.”

Before the final match that would decide the team's fate, I listened to veteran Choi Hyeong-woo's advice.

Kim Ji-chan served as the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the first inning and hit a single to left. After advancing to second base with Park Seung-gyu's sacrifice bunt, he hit home when Choi Hyeong-woo hit a deep, timely hit.

In the bottom of the second inning, ahead 1-0, with one out and 2nd and 3rd bases, he hit a timely hit with 2 RBIs. He then stole second base and scored on Park Seung-gyu's timely hit, leading the way to a 4-0 lead.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, ahead 4-1, with 2 outs and runners on second base, he hit a 1-run triple toward the back of the left field. Park Seung-gyu's timely hit came home again, putting a wedge in the win.

As Koo Ja-wook took over as designated hitter due to thigh pain, center fielder Kim Ji-chan teamed up on defense with Choi Hyeong-woo, who played left field in this PO.

Kim Ji-chan also placed trust in the defense of left fielder Choi Hyeong-woo.

He said, “I’m not really worried because he plays good defense,” and “I’ll try to catch the balls I can catch a little more.”

Now, attention is turned to the Korean series with KT Wiz.

Kim Ji-chan showed a strong performance against KT in this year's regular season, recording a batting average of 0.358 (19 hits in 53 at-bats), 5 RBIs, 9 runs, and 2 stolen bases in 16 games.

He said, “I wanted to go to the Korean Series, and I am very happy that I won today’s game.” He added, “I will end my happiness here and prepare well for the first game of the Korean Series.”