In the match against Kiwoom in the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League’ held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 1st, LG started with Lim 꽁머니지급 Chan-gyu’s 5⅔ innings, 5 hits, 2 walks, 5 strikeouts, 2 runs, and Moon Bo-kyung’s reverse two-run four. After defeating Kiwoom 4-2, Shinbaram won 5 consecutive victories.

In the 9th inning, 2 outs, 1st and 2nd base, Ko Woo-seok of LG caught Kiwoom Dawson with a catcher strike not out to confirm the victory, and LG players gathered on the ground to enjoy the joy of victory. However, Choi Won-tae was different. In front of the third base dugout, he greeted the fans with drooping shoulders and then left, scratching his head at his old teammates Kiwoom, not knowing what to do. I could understand Choi Won-tae’s complicated mind, who couldn’t help but rejoice in front of his old colleagues.

Choi Won-tae wore an LG uniform on the 29th of last month due to a large trade between LG and Kiwoom. LG currently ranks first in the league, but in order to win the championship, they needed a domestic starting ace who could win in short matches. So, outfielder Lee Joo-hyung, one of the KBO’s top prospects, Kim Dong-gyu, who is evaluated as a future starting pitcher, and Choi Won-tae were embraced by adding the nomination right for the first round of the 2024 season.

Choi Won-tae is a sure player among the top 5 domestic starters, recording an average ERA of 3.25 and 6-4 in 102.1 innings in 17 starts for Kiwoom this season. And he proved his worth from his first appearance at LG. On the 30th of last month, he started the game against Doosan and led LG’s 10-0 victory with a perfect throw of 2 hits, 5 strikeouts, and no runs in 6 innings.

Although Choi Won-tae started off perfectly as the domestic ace of LG, his affection for Kiwoom still remains. Choi Won-tae made his debut at Kiwoom (including the predecessor Nexen) in 2016 and pitched in 184 games over 8 seasons, recording 66 wins and 48 losses.

As a player who has only played for one team since his debut, there is still sadness in his eyes when he sees his old teammates. Although he is now wearing a striped uniform rather than a burgundy uniform, Choi Won-tae went directly to the outfield where Kiwoom players were training before the game, hugged and greeted his old teammates, and did not hide his affection.

However, it won’t be long for Choi Won-tae to feel awkward watching the Kiwoom players. In an interview right after the trade, Choi Won-tae said, “I got along really well with the Kiwoom players, but it’s sad to say goodbye. But now that I’m an LG player, it’s important to quickly get close to my seniors, brothers, and friends.” I will focus on that. I will do my best to fulfill LG’s long-cherished wish to win.”