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| photo courtesy of Lotte Giants |
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| Lotte and Hanwha match held at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 28th. Actor Kim Min-seok throwing the first pitch. Busan = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2024.06.28/ |
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| photo courtesy of Lotte Giants |
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"Oh, I have to go watch baseball quickly..."
This is the answer that came back when he asked actor Kim Min-seok (34) for a short interview after the first pitch. Visiting Sajik Stadium for the first time in a long time, he was very excited to watch the powerful Lotte game these days.
Kim Min-seok started the first pitch of the Lotte Giants and Hanwha Eagles game at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 28th. He appeared in a Lotte Military uniform in 2024, and with a strong Busan accent contrasting to his fresh smile, he said, `I hope Lotte wins coolly today and plays fall baseball this year. He received a warm ovation with a loud cry of `Try the Cider.'
After a long time, he visited his hometown of Busan, especially Sajik Stadium, and was full of pride. I watched the game from the stands and enjoyed the air of resignation that I had visited for the first time in a long time.
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| photo courtesy of Lotte Giants |
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He is a handsome actor who entered the entertainment industry through Superstar K3 in 2011. He also had a special career as a cook at a sushi restaurant. He has drawn attention for his roles as the youngest soldier Kim Ki-bum of the 'Descendants of the Sun', a young doctor Choi Kang-soo of the 'Doctors' spirit, and Seo Jang-hoon of the handsome man of the 'Youth Era 2'. Waiting for the release of the Tving drama 'Shark: The Storm'.
When asked why he was in charge of the first pitch, the answer came back, "Because I'm a real fan of Lotte." He was willing to do it even though he didn't have a special promotional schedule. Kim Min-seok said, "'Why haven't I been invited to throw the first pitch? I thought, "I'm not good enough yet."," he said with a bright smile. It's the day I filled my bucket list for the rest of my life.
"When Lotte was in the middle of autumn baseball, I really came to Sajik Stadium every day. I have a lot of memories, but I'm mostly in Seoul as an actor, and I can't do my hobbies well. It's been a long time since I resigned."
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| photo courtesy of Lotte Giants |
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Born in Geumgok-dong, Busan, he is a real Lotte fan who was baptized by the 'no-peer spirit' under Jerry Royster. I was worried that the game would be canceled because of the rain forecast. Fortunately, the game was held normally as the day cleared.
Who was Kim Min-seok's favorite player at that time. Lee Dae-ho, Hong Seong-hun and Cho Sung-hwan waited for his answer. However, Kim Min-seok came up with an unexpected name.
"I really liked Park Ki-hyuk (now KT Wiz coach) who was playing shortstop at that time. It's cool."
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| Park Ki-hyuk, who was active as the main shortstop under Royster. Sports Chosun DB |
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Kim Min-seok said "If you look at the English Premier League (EPL), every neighborhood has a team and a lot of devoted fans. Isn't Lotte in Busan the best thing? Busan people smiled broadly, saying, "Lotte is the vitality and joy of life."
"Since Director Kim Tae-hyung came, the atmosphere of Lotte was different. If I get the strength right, I think I'll really play fall baseball this year. I'll cheer for you."
Did Kim Min-seok's support give him strength. On this day, Lotte beat Hanwha 6-4, and won five consecutive games.
lunarfly@sportschosun.com
