There's a new era on the horizon for the Doosan Bears, as the club boldly announced the appointment of Kim Won-hyung as their 12th manager on October 20, 2025. This decision signals a renewed drive for championship glory, as the Bears set their sights on returning to the summit of the KBO League. The front office confirmed Kim’s contract spans 2+1 years with a maximum value of 2 billion won, including a 500 million won signing bonus and 500 million won annual salary.
Kim Won-hyung, age 53, is no stranger to the top echelons of Korean baseball. He brings a wealth of experience, both as a legendary pitcher and a proven leader in the dugout. His journey began in 1991, debuting with the Ssangbangwool Raiders after honing his craft at Jeonju Middle and Jeonju High School. Over 21 seasons, Kim took the mound for a remarkable 545 games, compiling a record of 134 wins, 144 losses, 26 saves, and 12 holds, with a career ERA of 3.92. His durability, consistency, and competitive fire made him a mainstay in the league and a respected figure among peers.
After hanging up his cleats, Kim seamlessly transitioned to coaching. He first made his mark as a pitching coach with the SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers), then the Lotte Giants, and even spent time with the Doosan Bears as their main pitching coach from 2019 to 2020. It was during those two seasons that Doosan’s pitching staff truly shined, finishing with a league-best ERA of 3.91 and powering the team to a combined championship in 2019. According to Doosan officials, “Kim Won-hyung is recognized for his outstanding ability in pitcher development and game management.”
Kim’s managerial career took off with SSG Landers in 2021, where he orchestrated a dramatic turnaround. The team, languishing in ninth place in 2020, climbed to sixth under his leadership in 2021. But it was the 2022 season that cemented his legacy. Kim guided SSG to a historic wire-to-wire championship, never relinquishing first place from Opening Day through the Korean Series—a feat never before achieved in KBO history. That season, his tactical acumen and steady hand drew widespread acclaim, with many pointing to his ability to maximize player performance and maintain clubhouse unity.
After his SSG tenure, Kim broadened his horizons with a stint as a coaching intern with Japan’s SoftBank Hawks in 2024, before returning to Korea as the national team’s pitching coach. His time observing international baseball and coaching the national squad only added to his already impressive resume. Doosan’s decision to hand the reins to Kim marks a departure from their recent practice of promoting first-time managers. In fact, it’s the first time in the 21st century that the Bears have hired a manager with prior KBO managerial experience, harkening back to the days of Kim In-sik, who led the club from 1995 to 2003.
This move comes after a turbulent 2025 campaign for Doosan. The team, under manager Lee Seung-yeop, struggled through April and May, prompting Lee’s resignation on June 2. Quality Control coach Cho Sung-hwan stepped in as interim manager, guiding the Bears to a 38-3-45 record during his tenure. The season ultimately ended with a disappointing 61-6-77 mark, placing the Bears ninth in the standings—well short of the club’s lofty standards.
In the wake of this underwhelming finish, Doosan’s front office wasted little time in launching a thorough search for a new leader. After two rounds of intensive interviews, Kim Won-hyung emerged as the clear favorite among a pool of three final candidates. Sources within the organization revealed that Kim’s proven track record of pitcher development and championship pedigree tipped the scales in his favor, especially as the club faces the dual challenges of rebuilding and contending for a title in short order.
Kim’s connection to Doosan extends beyond the dugout. His previous stint as pitching coach left a lasting impression, and his return is seen as a homecoming of sorts. During his time with the Bears, he was lauded for fostering healthy competition among young arms and helping to instill a winning mentality. The club’s statement echoed this sentiment: “We believe Kim Won-hyung is the right person to build a championship-caliber roster through the healthy competition of young players.”
For Kim, the appointment is both an honor and a challenge. In his first public remarks, he said, “I am infinitely honored and feel a great sense of responsibility to take the helm of the prestigious Doosan Bears. I sincerely thank the club for giving me this opportunity.” He continued, “Doosan Bears have always pressed their opponents with dynamic play on the field. I will take the lead in rebuilding this ‘Hustle Doo’ culture and give our fans something to cheer about.” These words encapsulate the fighting spirit that Kim hopes to rekindle in the squad and the excitement he aims to bring back to Jamsil Stadium.
Looking ahead, Doosan fans have reason for optimism. Kim’s knack for nurturing pitching talent and his strategic nous are expected to pay dividends, especially as the Bears navigate a period of generational change. The club’s faith in a seasoned leader, rather than a rookie manager, underscores their determination to accelerate the rebuilding process and return to championship contention as quickly as possible.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Kim Won-hyung and his vision for the Bears. Will his blend of experience, tactical sharpness, and motivational prowess be enough to turn the tide? One thing’s for sure: with Kim at the helm, Doosan is making a bold statement of intent. The journey back to the top starts now, and the Bears’ faithful will be watching every pitch, every call, and every hustle play with renewed hope.
With the ink barely dry on Kim’s contract and spring training just around the corner, anticipation is building in the Doosan camp. The pieces are in place, and the stage is set for a fascinating new chapter in the club’s storied history. Stay tuned—this could be the start of something special for the Bears.
