“The players gave it everything they had”: After failing to reach the Korean Series, manager Lee Bum-ho stood by his players to the end

[Financial News] The Tigers’ relentless charge toward the summit came to a halt in Daegu.
Though they fell short at the threshold of the Korean Series, Kia Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho’s final message was not one of excuses or regret, but of heartfelt “gratitude” to his players and “resolve” for the year ahead.
Kia wrapped up its season with a 1-6 loss to the Samsung Lions in Game 5, the deciding game of the playoff (PO, best-of-five series), in the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 1st, ending the series with two wins and three losses.
Manager Lee Bum-ho looked composed as he spoke to reporters after the game. Rather than dwell on the disappointment of the result, he first turned his attention to the players who had fought with all their might to the end.
“We really gave it our best. I can only be grateful to our players, who fought tooth and nail without tiring throughout such a long postseason,” he said, offering heartfelt applause to the team that had quietly worked up a sweat.

Even when discussing the painful situation on the mound early in Game 5, he defended the pitchers’ commitment rather than making excuses.

With starting pitcher Adam Oller faltering and the early momentum beginning to slip away, manager Lee recalled the tense situation in the dugout: “Yang Hyeon-jong needed time to properly warm up his arm as he prepared to pitch.” He added, “Thanks to Yang Hyeon-jong, who took over on the mound from the third inning and held firm despite the urgency, we were able to keep fighting tenaciously without giving up until the end,” praising the veteran’s sacrifice.
The autumn of 2026 ended in Daegu, but what Kia gained was far from insignificant. Even amid a generational transition, the team displayed its grit by taking the contest all the way to the final game of the playoffs.
“Our players poured more onto the field this season than their abilities alone would suggest,” manager Lee said, reflecting on the year. “In particular, young players grew into key contributors this year and gave us many reasons to be optimistic.”
The skipper then pledged a stronger showing in 2027.
“We clearly saw what we fell short on this postseason. We’ll prepare thoroughly,” manager Lee said, adding, “We’ll raise the players’ abilities another level and show that we’re a strong team capable of contending for the Korean Series next season.”

[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter