Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hanwha chairman presents symbolic gifts to Eagles after runner-up finish
Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn smiles while cheering for the group's baseball team, Hanwha Eagles, at their home stadium in Daejeon, July 3. Courtesy of Hanwha Group
By Lee Min-hyung
Hanwha Group Chairman Kim Seung-youn has presented orange-colored mobile phones to 60 players, coaches and staff members of the Hanwha Eagles, in recognition of their dedication throughout the season after the baseball team finished as runner-up in the 2025 Korean Series.
The Daejeon-based team advanced to the championship series for the first time in 19 years.
“I sincerely congratulate the Eagles on their Korean Series runner-up finish and send my heartfelt applause to the players who gave their all until the very end of the competition,” Kim said Tuesday.
Kim, the team’s owner, praised the club’s achievement as a meaningful milestone. In 1999, when the Eagles last won the Korean Series, he shared tears of joy with the players.
“The sweat they have shed on the path to second place will become a solid stepping stone for tomorrow’s championship,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the Eagles fly even higher.”
Kim, 73, made headlines whenever he visited the club's baseball stadium, attending six games this year and nine last year. His active engagement with the team and fans has earned him the nickname “the romantic owner.”
Immediately after the team’s runner-up finish on Friday, Kim expressed his deep gratitude to fans with a banner that read: “I will never forget the fans who cheered for us with the hottest passion in the world. With your love in our hearts, we will soar again.”