Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants), who made his debut in the Major League Baseball (MLB) this year, has some heartfelt advice for his friend and former teammate Kim Hye-sung (Kiwoom Heroes), who is also dreaming of making it to the big leagues.

“The league is different, the ballpark is different, but playing baseball is the same,” Lee said when asked about Hye-sung Kim’s MLB challenge. (Kim) will do well in baseball on her own,” he said.

After the 2023 season, Kim informed Kiwoom of her intention to try out for the MLB, and Kiwoom allowed her to join the organization in January of this year. After the 2024 season, Kim will knock on MLB’s door this winter through the winter posting system (closed competitive bidding).

In a recent interview with reporters,

Kim said, “I’m very worried about the challenge, but I’m very grateful to be able to try it. It’s a great opportunity,” she said, adding, ”I don’t know if it’s too good, but I’m willing to take on the challenge unconditionally, even if the contract is a little smaller.”

“Kim would like to tell her (Kim Hye-sung) about my daily life, which is an environment where only an interpreter and I speak Korean. I have to approach my teammates, talk to them, and joke around with them, so they will think more of me.” ”Even if it’s hard, if you approach them first, they will like you. I hope I can do this well,” he said. This year, Lee earned the No. 1 spot in San Francisco’s lineup, but a shoulder injury early in the season ended his season early and he only played in 37 games. He finished his rookie season batting .262 with two home runs, eight RBIs, and 15 runs scored.

“I didn’t play a lot of games, so it’s hard to say that I made progress. I honestly don’t remember the amount of time I spent on the field. The time I spent rehabbing was longer,” he said, adding, ”I think I need to go back to the beginning and work hard.”

While Lee was in Korea, San Francisco changed its president.

Farhan Zaidi, the president of baseball operations who led the recruitment effort, stepped down, and Buster Posey, the team’s franchise catcher, was named the new president.

“I can’t comment on the change in leadership. The new president came to the ballpark a lot during the season and talked to me a lot. He is always close to the players.” ”This season is over. I think we just need to look at what we need to do and do well next season.”