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Veteran Ryu Hyun-jin announces retirement from national baseball team after WBC quarterfinal loss

Published: 15 Mar. 2026, 14:04

Korea's Ryu Hyun-jin pitches during a 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinal against the Dominican Republic at LoanDepot park in Miami, Florida, on March 13. [NEWS1]

Veteran pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin, 38, announced his retirement from national duty after Korea suffered a crushing 10-0 loss to the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarterfinals on Friday.

Korea lost by mercy rule in the seventh inning at LoanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The team reached the WBC quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years after finishing second in Pool C, but could not overcome the Dominican Republic roster filled with MLB stars and fell short on both offense and pitching.

Ryu, who played 11 seasons in MLB with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, started the quarterfinal game after also taking the mound in the pool stage game against Chinese Taipei.

He allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 1 2/3 innings against the Dominican Republic. He got through the first inning without allowing a run but struggled in the second before leaving the mound.

“I think this will be my last time with the national team,” Ryu said after Friday's game. “I wish the ending had been better, but I felt honored to return to the national team and play alongside the younger players.”

Korean national team manager Ryu Ji-hyun thanked the veteran pitcher for his contribution to the team.

“I want to first say thank you to Ryu Hyun-jin,” Ryu Ji-hyun said. “After I became the national team manager in February last year, I constantly hoped Ryu Hyun-jin would join the team.

“He showed great results and also set a strong example with his attitude. I think that is why he could remain competitive as a starting pitcher for the Korean national team even at this age.”

Looking back on the game, the manager said the only regret was that Ryu Hyun-jin could not complete the second inning.

“If he had finished the second inning before leaving the mound, he would have fully completed his role,” Ryu Ji-hyun said. “As the team’s most senior veteran, he gave his best until the very end.”

Ryu Ji-hyun's contract with the national team ends with the WBC, as he was only bound to lead the team until the end of the tournament.

“I do not think I am in a position to talk about the national team’s future plans or direction right now,” he said.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY BAE YOUNG-EUN [[email protected]]