How did Lee Bum-ho say Kim Do-yeong handles pressure during the KBO postseason?

Lee said Kim appears comfortable in the batter’s box and thrives under pressure. He said Kim knows when to swing aggressively and when to take walks, which can create opportunities for hitters behind him.

Why did Lee Bum-ho expect a low-scoring Kia Tigers-Samsung Lions game?

Lee expected the starting pitchers, James Naile and Chris Paddack, to make scoring difficult. He said both were well rested and that the game could turn on either team managing to score a run when an opportunity arose.

Tigers manager sees superstar slugger enjoying KBO postseason limelight

Q: What postseason and national-team experience did Kim Do-yeong have before the Kia Tigers faced the Samsung Lions?

Lee pointed to Kim’s experience in the Tigers’ 2024 championship run and his appearances for the national team at the World Baseball Classic and the Asian Games. Lee said that experience helped Kim approach the postseason without being fazed.

Listen

Summary

Kia Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho said Monday in Daegu that Kim Do-yeong is comfortable with the attention as the team pursues another Korea Baseball Organization championship. Lee credited Kim’s postseason experience, including the Tigers’ 2024 title, and said the 23-year-old handles pressure well. Kim hit three home runs in three games against the LG Twins in the previous series. Lee expected a low-scoring Game 1 against the Samsung Lions, with James Naile and Chris Paddack starting.

Key Facts

Kim won the KBO regular-season MVP award in 2024, when the Tigers also won the Korean Series.
Lee said Kim had played for the national team at the World Baseball Classic and the Asian Games.
Lee said Kim’s approach includes knowing when to swing aggressively and when to take walks, creating opportunities for Harold Castro and Na Sung-bum.
Lee described Naile and Paddack as among the league’s best regular-season starters and said both were well rested.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 26, 2026 5:51 pm KST
Updated Oct 26, 2026 5:54 pm KST

Kia Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho answers questions from reporters ahead of Game 3 of the KBO postseason semi-playoff against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Seoul, Oct. 20. Yonhap

Being put on a pedestal by adoring fans and media as the best player in South Korean baseball today can be a lot to handle for the Kia Tigers third baseman Kim Do-yeong.

But his manager, Lee Bum-ho, said Monday he believes the 23-year-old superstar is enjoying the limelight, as the Tigers are trying to make a run at another Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) championship this fall.

Lee said Kim's prior postseason experience in 2024, when the Tigers won the Korean Series and Kim earned the regular-season MVP award, has been a big help.

"Even though he is still very young, he has already won a title, and he has played for the national team at the World Baseball Classic and the Asian Games (this year)," Lee said before Game 1 of the second round against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu. "So I don't think he is fazed now. He probably doesn't even see these games as big. He looks entirely comfortable in the box."

Lee said some of Kim's teammates are also putting pressure on him, however playfully, by telling him to keep delivering big hits. Kim has met the moment so far, with three homers in three games in the previous series against the LG Twins.

"I think Do-yeong thrives under that kind of pressure," Lee said. "He knows when to get aggressive with his swings and when to take his walks. It will set up good opportunities for guys hitting behind him, like Harold Castro and Na Sung-bum. Do-yeong is such a smart player, and I am not really worried about him. Some pressure always comes with being the best hitter in this league."

Despite the luxury of employing the most feared hitter in the KBO, Lee predicted a low-scoring game Monday, with James Naile starting for the Tigers and Chris Paddack pitching for the Lions.

The two former major leaguers were among the league's best starters in the regular season.

"Both guys are well rested, and it will be tough for hitters to get to them," Lee said. "I think the game will come down to who can score a run here and a run there whenever they can."

Explore More