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Kim Hye-seong determined to beat his Dodgers teammates in Tokyo

Published: 04 Mar. 2026, 19:55

Utility player Kim Hye-seong leaves the field after finishing training at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 4. [NEWS1]

The reigning World Series champions Los Angeles Dodgers will be well represented in Pool C at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in Tokyo, with one Korean player and two Japanese players in action.

Kim Hye-seong, a utility player for the Dodgers who will be Korea's starting second baseman, said Wednesday he will try to put aside his friendships with Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto when the two countries square off on the weekend.

"It's going to be fun to see my teammates wearing a different uniform here at the same stadium," Kim told reporters at Tokyo Dome after practice Wednesday, the eve of Korea's first Pool C game against the Czech Republic. The Japan game will be 7 p.m. Saturday.

"But it's going to be an important occasion, so it won't just be fun and games," Kim added. "So I will be pretty determined for that night."

Japan, as the defending champion, will be favored to win Pool C, with Korea trying to finish in the top two and make it out of the opening round for the first time since 2009.

This will be Kim's second WBC. He didn't get to show much in his debut, logging just two at-bats over three games. He did have walks, three RBIs and three runs scored in his limited opportunities, and said he is ready to do so much more.

"Whenever I get a chance to play here, I will try to put on a good performance and wash away the disappointment of not playing three years ago," Kim said.

The versatile defender can also play shortstop and third base, and has also appeared in the outfield. Though second base is Kim's main position, he said he will be ready to play anywhere.

"As a ball player, my job is to go play where I am asked to play," he said. "I've been practicing everywhere, regardless of the defensive position."

Yonhap