WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - CZECHIA VS KOREA

March 4, 2026

So Hyeong Jun

Lee Hung-Joo

Tokyo Dome

Team Korea

Pregame Press Conference

Q. Previous tournament back in 2023, the result was something you expected. This tournament as team captain, what do you expect from your team?

LEE JUNG-HOO: Yes, the last tournament, not only the last tournament but the previous couple tournament recently, in ten years, we couldn't go for the quarterfinals round. So this 2026 tournament, we are aiming to go for the quarterfinal, at least. And then we are going to have a big challenge coming out.

But at the same time, we are not trying to make a bigger pleasure on ourselves. We are trying to break through for the previous result. At the same time I am expecting my team to have a good, fun harmony atmosphere to play.

Q. Japan, this is a country where you were born. Whenever you play in Japan, how do you feel about it, and all the Japanese fans, your father is very familiar among the Japanese fans. So how do you feel about playing in front of the Japanese audience?

LEE JUNG-HOO: Yes, long time ago, as a child, I was -- grew up and I had, well, enough experience playing here as at the International baseball tournament when we talk about my father, all the Japanese fans are watching father, son, two generation combo which is good.

So what I want to do is I'd like to show what I can do and I'd like to play well in front of my Japanese fans.

Q. You are mentioned that you are going to be a probable starter for tomorrow's opening game. How do you feel about it, and if you have any comment?

SO HYEONG-JUN: First, I'm going to be start with my responsible. I am representing the KBO with 1.2, so I am going to be pitched with my responsible (as translated).