Former Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo has launched a scathing public critique of the Samsung Lions following their fourth consecutive loss in the 2026 KBO season.
The Lions fell 2-8 to the SSG Landers in a home game at Samsung Lions Park on April 23, extending their losing streak after a 0-5 defeat to the LG Twins on April 19. The collapse came despite holding a 2-1 lead heading into the ninth inning, when reliever Lee Seung-hyeon blew the save and took the loss.
Taking to social media on April 24, Hong voiced frustration over the team’s performance, singling out only a handful of players for meeting their salary expectations. “Only Kim Ji-chan, Park Seung-gyu, Jeon Byeong-woo, and Ryu Ji-hyeon are delivering value for their contracts,” he wrote, adding that even slugger Choi Hyun-woo was excluded from his list of effective contributors.
Hong criticized the team’s offensive approach, describing non-homerun hitters who rely on uppercut swings as “fake power” players constantly striking out. He also condemned pitchers who struggle with control, calling them “timid arms” that issue too many walks.
He pointed to developmental prospects, suggesting that pitchers like Jeong Chan-hee — whom he praised for having “guts and fine stuff” — should be given starting opportunities, while acknowledging that young arms like Bae Chan-seung need to build toughness before handling rotation roles.
Highlighting the team’s financial capacity, Hong remarked sarcastically, “Samsung must have plenty of money to be paying these players tens of millions in salaries,” referencing the return timeline of injured outfielder Kim Seong-yoon as a potential turning point.
The former mayor, who has maintained ties with the Lions through ceremonial first pitches and advocacy for adding the Daegu logo to uniforms, said he continues to watch games daily as a source of enjoyment — though recent results have left him sighing in disappointment.
