Kia Tigers' Kim Do-young Opens Up About High School Struggles on MBC's 'Point of Omniscient Interference'

In the latest episode of MBC's entertainment show 'Point of Omniscient Interference' (전지적 참견 시점), Kim Do-young, a player for the Kia Tigers, candidly shared his experiences with a slump during his high school years. The episode aired on December 28, 2024, showcasing Kim's daily life as he enters his third year as a professional baseball player. This season, he has made headlines by participating in 141 games and achieving the KBO League's youngest and fewest games 30-30 milestone, solidifying his status as a superstar in the 2024 professional baseball season.

Kim explained his participation in the show, stating, "I have a belief that I won't do variety shows until after I retire. However, I thought this type of show was acceptable because it allows me to showcase the life of a baseball player."

The episode also featured lawyer Park Ji-hoon, who returned to the show after six years. He revealed that he is now managing Kim Do-young and running an agency that represents professional baseball players, handling contract negotiations and other external matters. Park, who established his agency in 2019, expressed pride in Kim's talent, reminiscing about how Kim was already well-known in high school, with rumors circulating about his exceptional skills. He confidently stated, "Next year, he will do even better."

Kim shared his feelings about his rising popularity, noting, "I used to go unnoticed in Seoul, but now it feels great when people recognize me here." He also expressed his admiration for NewJeans' Hani, saying he would prefer to watch her pitch rather than ask for tips.

During a segment preparing for the 2024 KBO Awards, Kim visited a hair and makeup salon, requesting a look similar to Hani's. He later appeared in a striking white suit, which drew compliments from the studio, although he humorously mentioned that his sister criticized the outfit, likening him to a cult leader.

The episode also highlighted Kim's close relationship with his sisters, who joined him at the awards ceremony, showcasing their sibling chemistry through playful selfies. Reflecting on his journey, Kim shared with younger players at his alma mater in Gwangju that he once considered quitting baseball due to struggles in high school, admitting, "I was in a tough spot and thought about giving up."

When asked about overcoming his slump, Kim revealed that he found inspiration in motivational quotes, particularly one that resonated with him: "Will you do nothing and become nothing, or will you try and become something?" He encouraged younger players to keep working hard, stating that opportunities will arise if they remain persistent, even if they don't make it to the pros right away.