Seoul: Former South Korean baseball MVP Kim Do-yeong has undergone surgery to repair a broken nose, his club announced Thursday, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming Asian Games.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) reported that Kim underwent surgery late Wednesday night following an injury sustained during a game against the NC Dinos at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. The incident occurred when a bunt attempt went awry, causing the ball to ricochet off his bat and hit his face. Immediate medical attention was required as Kim began bleeding, leading to his removal from the game.
The Kia Tigers indicated that Kim is expected to be released from the hospital on Friday. His recovery will be closely monitored before any decision is made regarding his return to the field. A team official mentioned that the injury is not deemed serious, allowing Kim to remain on the active roster for the time being.
The 22-year-old is experiencing a remarkable resurgence this season after limited appearances in 2025 due to hamstring injuries. Having played in all 122 games for the Tigers this year, Kim's streak will be interrupted by this surgery. Despite this setback, he remains a strong candidate for another MVP award, leading the league with 40 home runs and 105 runs scored, among other offensive achievements.
Kim's potential absence presents a considerable challenge for the Tigers as they compete for a postseason spot. It also poses a significant hurdle for the national team aiming for a fifth consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games. Expected to be a key player for the national team, Kim's condition is under review by national team manager Ryu Ji-hyun. The Tigers will provide a detailed medical report on his status to the national team staff on Friday.
"We will review doctors' opinions and keep an eye on his recovery through the weekend before making our decision on his status," Ryu stated. The national team, composed entirely of KBO stars, is set to begin training camp next Tuesday in Seoul, with plans to depart for Nagoya on September 18. South Korea's first match is scheduled against Chinese Taipei on September 21.