Ryu Hyun-jin Shares His Baseball Journey in First Lecture

Ryu Hyun-jin (류현진), known as the 'Korea Monster,' took the stage for his first lecture, candidly discussing his baseball career. In the episode of MBC's lecture variety show 'Heartfelt Talks' (심장을 울려라 강연자들) airing on December 15 at 9:10 PM, Ryu reflected on starting baseball in the third grade, expressing confidence in his early talent.

Despite his success, Ryu faced challenges, including a disappointing early exit during the 2005 Cheongryonggi High School Baseball Championship final. However, he quickly rebounded, winning both Rookie of the Year and MVP in his debut season, solidifying his status as a baseball prodigy. He recalled, "I always thought I was the best whenever I stepped onto the field," reminiscing about his confident days.

After signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ryu successfully transitioned to Major League Baseball but encountered a significant setback with shoulder surgery, which made him fear for his career. He shared how his wife, Bae Ji-hyun, supported him through this tough time, helping him navigate his recovery.

Ryu made history in 2019 by winning the opening game as a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball and became the first Korean player to start in an All-Star Game. He fondly remembered, "The moment I was named an All-Star starter is the most memorable for me."

Following his move to the Toronto Blue Jays, Ryu returned to the KBO League after 12 years, fulfilling a promise to his fans in Hanwha. The production team noted that Ryu's lecture conveyed his journey from a talented young player to a Major League star and back to the KBO, sharing valuable lessons learned from overcoming challenges and maintaining confidence throughout his career.