What kind of player was 'player Park Kyung-soo' to KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol?

The KT club will hold a retirement ceremony for 'eternal captain' coach Park Kyung-soo on the 1st at Suwon KT Wiz Park during the 8th game of the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League against the KIA Tigers.

Manager Lee Kang-cheol, who has been with coach Park Kyung-soo for six years since taking office as KT's head coach in 2019, joked, "Park Kyung-soo would complain about his thighs hurting after just a little running, and would say something hurt after just a little running." He reminisced, "Park Kyung-soo really stabilized the team's core. When I came to this team, I felt like the team was settling to some extent, and the roles of Yoo Han-jun and Park Kyung-soo were huge. Honestly, the team just ran well without saying much."

Coach Park Kyung-soo served as the captain for a remarkable six years out of his 10-year career with KT, contributing significantly to the team's rise as a strong contender. Manager Lee Kang-cheol said, "Park Kyung-soo's role was enormous in getting KT to where it is now. His leadership was excellent, and he fulfilled his role as captain well." He added, "Didn't we achieve our first .500 winning percentage, our first postseason berth, and our first overall championship together? I think it was more that Park Kyung-soo led the players well without needing to say much. Thanks to him, there were no major incidents after I came to KT."

Manager Lee Kang-cheol recalled the most memorable moments from coach Park Kyung-soo's playing days, highlighting the tiebreaker match and the defensive plays in the Korean Series. The manager said, "The first thing that comes to mind is when Park Kyung-soo made the out on Ko Jae-wook's hit in the tiebreaker. I also remember the double play in the Korean Series. Park Kyung-soo really excelled in defense. He is quicker by a step or two than others when executing double plays."

Coach Park Kyung-soo did not leave Suwon KT Wiz Park and has opened a second career this year as the KT QC coach. He has recently taken on the role of first base coach in place of Lee Jong-beom, accumulating valuable coaching experience that is hard to come by.

Manager Lee Kang-cheol said, "Coach Park Kyung-soo is doing well in his own way. He enjoys coaching, and I'm grateful that he appreciates it." He noted, "Of course, there are mistakes, but that's how one grows. He is a well-rounded coach, so I hope he continues on a good path as a coach, just like he did as a player."

Coach Park Kyung-soo will be registered as a special player for the retirement ceremony on this day and will be able to take the field. When asked about Park Kyung-soo's participation in the game, Manager Lee Kang-cheol replied, "If the game is too tight, it might be burdensome. I will watch the situation closely and look for a timing for him to be utilized. I hope we can have an opportunity for him to participate in the game."

Meanwhile, KT has set its starting lineup against KIA, featuring Jang Jin-hyuk (center fielder), Kim Sang-su (second baseman), Ahn Hyun-min (right fielder), Mel Rojas Jr. (designated hitter), Jang Seong-woo (catcher), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop), Oh Yun-seok (first baseman), and Ahn Chi-young (left fielder). The starting pitcher is Cho Yi-hyun, who is replacing Ko Young-pyo, who was removed from the first team for rest.

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