WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: QUARTERFINALS

March 12, 2026

Ji Hyun Ryu

LoanDepot Park

Team Korea

Workout Day Press Conference

Q. This is my question. For this region, how would you define your team and your plan to face the Dominican Republic? How you would you define your team? Who is the starting pitcher and the pitching plan for tomorrow? Thank you.

JI HYUN RYU: Everyone's talking about starting pitcher already from the beginning. Yes, it's already announced. That's going to be Ryu, player Ryu.

As you know, Dominican Republic has the world-class players in the world. There are many superstars in the team and our players are aware of that.

So in the morning we did our own analysis, and in preparation for that, we will try our best to play a good game tomorrow.

Q. Yesterday there was a game between Venezuela and Dominican Republic, and I know that you watched that game. How did you think about the game, and how did you do the analysis?

JI HYUN RYU: Yesterday, depending on the game result, we were able to know who our partner was, who our counterpart was. We were hoping to bring ten people to the field, including coaching staff, but I think we are seeing 20 people.

And then we traveled a really long distance, and we really need a good break. And even in the midst of everything like this, I was very impressed by our players, that they were willing to come to the stadium to watch the game.

And the fact that they were so willing to understand the game and then understand the counterpart, I was very impressed by our players.

And then I also saw that there were four home runs, and I saw great home runs and long shots, and I think that's why the Dominican Republic was able to win the game.

And looking at Dominican Republic's game results, I see that they are playing many home runs. I think we need to focus more on this game to minimize our risk and mistakes for this game.

Q. So starting pitcher is going to be player Ryu, and then O'Brien player was removed from the team. And why did you decide not to find a replacement, but just to keep the team the way it is?

JI HYUN RYU: I chose player Ryu because he's the most reliable card we have. And as I mentioned yesterday, for O'Brien, I needed to make a realistic decision making. Right now KBO League started its prep, and then considering that, doing this long-distance traveling wasn't ideal for players. So I wasn't sure whether it's the best idea to bring a new player to the team.

It's a tournament, and we only get one break. So yes, we are lacking one player, but I felt like it wasn't necessary to hire or find a replacement for the team. That's what I told you yesterday. And having a new player is not better than having steady 30 players who have been on the team from the very beginning.

So we have 30 people on the roster. We still have 30 people in our roster.

Q. How do you transmit to the players a positive vibe so that they believe that, yes, they can beat one of the powerful offenses in this tournament?

JI HYUN RYU: I'm thinking you're talking about the first round. I used to tell the Korean media that we have never had such good environment for the Korean team. We are having the best vibe, best energy. I think this energy is allowing us and our players to perform at their best. I think that's why we were able to win our last game against Australia.

And then we are going to the next round tomorrow, and I understand that Dominican Republic has a great team, but with our energy, with Korea's energy right now, I think we can do the game very well tomorrow.

Q. Mound has to work with Sanchez, who is the starting pitcher. How do we have to analyze player Sanchez to be able to win and operate our game tomorrow?

JI HYUN RYU: Yes, Sanchez -- I don't have to tell you he is the world-class pitcher. everyone can tell from his records he is great, he is a legend, and he has great performance. He's also very strategic. That's why I think our players should be more prepared and should be more ready on the base side.

A little more about -- having more changeup would also help us play the game more competitively.

(FastScripts by ASAP Sports)