Former Korea Baseball Institution (KBO) pitcher and coach Jun-ho Jeon has died at age 50 after a battle with lung cancer,his family announced today. Jeon, a celebrated figure during the Hyundai Unicorns‘ championship years, transitioned from a successful playing career to mentoring young players at Bucheon high school. His passing marks a loss for the KBO and the wider Korean baseball community, remembered both for his skill on the mound and dedication to developing future talent. Funeral arrangements have been set at Inha University Hospital funeral Home.
향년 50세
폐암 투병 중 병세 악화
현대 유니콘스 시절 승률왕
Former Bucheon High School coach Jun-ho Jeon has died on New Year’s Day at the age of 50, following a battle with lung cancer.
Family members reported that Jeon’s condition had deteriorated rapidly in recent days.
Born in 1975, Jeon began his professional career in 1994 with the Pacific Dolphins, pitching both as a starter and reliever. He later became a key figure during a dominant era for the Hyundai Unicorns.
Jeon enjoyed his prime years with the Hyundai Unicorns from 1996 to 2007, playing a pivotal role in the team’s championship dynasty. He continued his career with the Woori-Seoul Heroes (now Kiwoom) and the SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers), consistently contributing as a pitching coach.
His standout season came in 2006 with Hyundai, where he posted a remarkable 14-4 record with one save and a 3.39 ERA. That performance earned him the league’s highest winning percentage at .778, surpassing Hanwha Eagles pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu (18-6, .750) who was then 18 years old.
Jeon even faced off against Ryu in a memorable pitching duel during Game 3 of the playoffs that year, showcasing his big-game performance.
After retiring as a player in 2011, Jeon transitioned to a career in broadcasting before returning to baseball as a coach at Bucheon High School, where he focused on developing the next generation of talent.
He is survived by his mother, Myung-ja Jeon, and daughters Ah-reum and Ah-hyun, as well as his brother, Jung-ho Jeon.
A memorial service will be held at Room 6 of Inha University Hospital Funeral Home (☎ 032-890-3180), with the funeral procession scheduled for 9:30 AM on January 3rd.
