The South Korean national baseball team returned home on Saturday, March 16, 2026, after their run in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) came to an end.
The team arrived at Incheon International Airport on Saturday, concluding their participation in the 2026 WBC. South Korea fell to the Dominican Republic 10-0 in the quarterfinals on March 14 (Korean time) at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, ending their bid for a championship.
Despite the disappointing result, the team achieved a significant milestone. On March 9, they secured an 8-team berth for the first time in 17 years, dramatically defeating Australia in a crucial group stage game at the Tokyo Dome. They needed to win by at least five runs while holding Australia to two runs or less, and they delivered.
Manager Ryu Ji-hyun reflected on the tournament, stating, “Looking back at the first round, there were moments of joy and disappointment. The scene of Team Korea coming together in the game against Australia is a moment I will never forget.” He likewise added, “This is a time for Korean baseball to consider various challenges, including developing pitching talent.”
The inclusion of Korean-heritage players was also highlighted. “The most important thing was the sincerity towards the team,” Ryu said. “They quickly became a team, and before returning to their clubs, they expressed their gratitude.”
Ace pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha Eagles) announced his retirement from international competition following the tournament. Having worn the national team uniform since the 2006 Doha Asian Games, he said, “It was an infinite honor to be able to play as a national representative with the younger players until the very end.”
Ryu Hyun-jin started against the Dominican Republic in the quarterfinal, allowing three runs in the loss. “I’m disappointed we couldn’t reach the final,” he said. “I learned a lot by competing against world-class players.”
