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Longtime minor leaguer Song Chan-eui makes most of KBO opportunity

Published: 23 Apr. 2026, 12:13 Updated: 23 Apr. 2026, 12:45

LG Twins outfielder Song Chan-eui cheers after hitting a walk-off during a game with the NC Dinos on June 18, 2025. [NEWS1]

Since the start of his professional career in 2018, LG Twins outfielder Song Chan-eui has spent far more time in the minors than with the KBO. He has logged over 300 games in the Futures League but only played his 131st KBO game on Wednesday night.

Now 27 with a limited track record, Song is resigned to his fate as a player who will only receive KBO opportunities if another player gets hurt or falls into a slump.

And instead of wallowing in self-pity, Song is determined to make the most of what few chances he gets.

Take this week, for instance, as Song has been getting some playing time in place of struggling outfielder Hong Chang-ki, who is off to a dismal 8-for-54 (.148) start in his first 17 games.

Song began the season in the KBO but was shipped to the minors after logging just one pinch-hit at-bat on March 31. He was then called up ahead of the game against the Hanwha Eagles at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in southern Seoul on Tuesday and promptly delivered two RBIs in a 6-5 victory.

Back at Jamsil against the Eagles on Wednesday, Song smoked a two-run home run off starter Wang Yan-Cheng to help the Twins take a 3-0 win, their third in a row. The home run was Song's first of the season and seventh of his career.

After the win at Jamsil, Song said he didn't spend much time feeling disappointed after being sent down to the Futures League so early in the season.

“I had the feeling that I wasn't going to get a ton of opportunities here. I knew that this was something that I had to overcome, and the only way to do that was to prepare myself the best that I could,” he said. “I had a lot of help from our minor league coaching staff, and they made sure I didn't give up. I'm really grateful that my hard work is paying off now.”

LG Twins outfielder Song Chan-eui during an interview at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in southern Seoul on April 22 [YONHAP]

Specifically, Song said that his Futures League coaches helped him slow down at the plate and not chase bad pitches. In 13 games there, Song had a strong line of .340/.417/.540 with two home runs, 12 RBIs and three steals. Three days before his call-up, Song posted four hits, including a home run, and five RBIs.

“We're riding a winning streak, and I'm happy to have helped the team in that regard,” Song said.

Though it's only been two games, Song has capitalized on a chance afforded by the worst slump of Hong's career.

Hong boasted a lifetime batting average of .311 before this season, but he has the third-lowest batting average among all qualified batters in 2026. However, Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb decided to give Hong a breather without demoting the 32-year-old to the Futures League.

And Hong offered Song his helping hand before Wednesday's game in more ways than one.

“He said that I should watch a bit more video on Wang Yan-Cheng, and he even lent me his iPad,” said Song, who had left his own tablet at home. “I recognized that Wang often threw a fastball for his first pitch, and I was prepared for that. I appreciate [Hong]'s help.”

Yonhap