Coach Ryu Ji-hyun in Tears: "This Was the Game of My Life"

Ryu Ji-hyun, manager of the Korea national baseball team, was brought to tears.

This came immediately after Korea's dramatic 7-2 victory over Australia in the fourth game of Group C in the 2026 WBC group stage, held at the Tokyo Dome in Japan on March 9. With this result, Korea precisely met the razor-thin condition for advancing to the quarterfinals: winning by at least five runs while allowing no more than two runs. This marks the first time in 17 years that Korea has advanced past the WBC group stage since finishing as runners-up in 2009.

Ryu Ji-hyun, coach of the Korea national baseball team, said after winning against Australia in the final match of the WBC Group C group stage, "Today was the game of my life." Tokyo - Photo by Yonhap News

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Even during the post-game press conference, Manager Ryu struggled to hold back his emotions, and when he later met with Korean reporters in the mixed zone, he finally let his tears fall. Ryu commented, "It was an extremely tough first round," adding, "The attitude and sincerity with which the players approached this tournament came together to produce such a positive result."

He continued, "Before today's game, I kept telling myself that we shouldn't play as if we're being chased. Scoring first early in the game allowed us to stay composed and control the flow," and added, "Even in the top of the ninth, when we had to score, the players' focus and determination came together as one." He also praised, "Cho Byung-hyun did an excellent job pitching the final 1⅔ innings, and Lee Jung-hoo made a great catch on a difficult ball in the bottom of the ninth."

He expressed his gratitude toward veteran pitcher Noh Kyung-eun as well. When starting pitcher Son Joo-young had to leave after the first inning due to an elbow injury, Noh Kyung-eun took over on the mound. Ryu stated, "Noh Kyung-eun pitched two innings in that sudden situation," and added, "I want to say that I truly respect Noh Kyung-eun."

Manager Ryu said, "Today was the game of my life," adding, "This was the most important game of my baseball career, and the outcome was made possible by the entire team wearing the same uniform and the cooperation of the KBO and all 10 clubs." Regarding plans for the second round in Miami, Florida, he said, "Today, I just want to rest," and added, "I will start preparing for the second round from tomorrow morning."

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