April 24, 2026 – Wonju DB Promy has officially parted ways with head coach Kim Ju-seong, ending a three-year tenure that included a regular-season championship and a sudden exit following a disappointing playoff performance.
The club announced it would not renew Kim’s contract after the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, citing the need for change after his team was swept in the quarterfinals of the postseason by Busan KCC Egis. DB had entered the playoffs as the third seed but failed to win a single game against their rivals, marking a stark contrast to the previous season when Kim led the franchise to its first-place finish in the regular league and a deep playoff run.
Kim, a beloved franchise icon who played his entire professional career with DB, transitioned to coaching after retirement. He served as an assistant from 2019 before being elevated to interim head coach midway through the 2022–23 season following the resignation of Lee Beom-hee. His strong finish that year earned him the full-time role heading into 2023–24, where he guided the team to a league-best record and a semifinal appearance.
Despite that success, inconsistencies emerged during the current campaign. While DB secured a playoff berth with a third-place standing, their postseason collapse raised questions about roster direction and tactical adjustments. The organization stated it would now begin the process of identifying a successor to lead the team forward.
Kim’s departure marks the end of an era for a figure who embodied DB’s identity both on and off the court. His exit comes after a tenure defined by early promise, a peak of league dominance, and a final stretch that left the club seeking a new voice.
