President Lee Commends Noh Kyungeun's Outstanding Performance Against Australia at WBC: "Inspired Hope and Determination in Many Citizens"

President Lee Jaemyung sent a message of hope to the nation on March 16, praising 42-year-old veteran pitcher Noh Kyoungeun for his outstanding performance in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Yonhap News Agency

원본보기 아이콘

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) that day, President Lee said Noh Kyoungeun's pitching felt like a message to "never give up because it’s too late." He added, "Because there are many people in our society who have been discouraged or are considering giving up for various reasons, I believe the relentless challenge and great courage shown by Noh Kyoungeun will inspire hope and determination in many citizens."

President Lee referenced the final group-stage game against Australia, where Noh took the mound as a pitcher. He said, "Right after the starting pitcher left the mound due to a sudden injury during the last group-stage game against Australia, Noh Kyoungeun urgently stepped in and pitched two scoreless innings, leading the team to a 7-2 victory. At that time, Korea’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals were less than 5 percent, making it a very difficult situation. His pitching became the starting point for a miraculous turnaround, and in the end, the national team dramatically succeeded in advancing to the main round."

On March 9, Korea defeated Australia 7-2 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan, escaping the threat of being eliminated from the group stage and advancing to the WBC quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years since 2009. Despite being called to the mound unexpectedly, Noh Kyoungeun overcame the crisis by pitching two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit.

President Lee said, "Above all, the reason so many people were moved is because, despite being 42 years old, he never gave up and continued to train himself as a veteran. In an era dominated by fastballs reaching speeds of not only 150 km/h but even exceeding 160 km/h, he fulfilled his role excellently through experience, restraint, and the instincts he has honed over many years."

President Lee also stated, "Among the countries liberated from colonial rule, the Republic of Korea is the only one that has achieved both industrialization and democratization. Today’s Korea, which stands shoulder to shoulder with advanced nations, became possible because of citizens who continually learn, practice, and take on new challenges." He continued, "Despite difficult circumstances at home and abroad, we will not give up. We will move forward, we will overcome, and ultimately, we will achieve."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.