It’s a tough day for KIA Tigers fans and anyone who’s followed the meteoric rise of Kim Do-young. The 21-year-old infielder, once hailed as the next big thing in Korean baseball, will miss the remainder of the 2025 KBO League season after sustaining yet another injury—this time a left hamstring muscle strain. The news, confirmed by the team on August 8, 2025, has sent ripples through the league, especially with the Tigers locked in a fierce battle for a top-five playoff spot.
Kim’s injury saga unfolded on August 7 at Busan’s Sajik Baseball Stadium. In a game against the Lotte Giants, Kim was fielding a ground ball in the bottom of the fifth inning when he suddenly felt discomfort in his left thigh. Despite his best efforts to avoid aggravating previous injuries by running cautiously, the pain forced him to signal for a substitution. He left the field under his own power, which initially gave hope that the setback might not be too serious. However, an MRI scan the following day dashed those hopes, revealing a significant strain to his left hamstring muscle.
According to the KIA Tigers’ official medical report, “Kim Do-young has been diagnosed with a left hamstring muscle injury. Due to swelling, a follow-up examination will be conducted in 2 to 3 weeks to determine the exact extent of the injury.” The club has already made the difficult decision to rest Kim for the remainder of the season, prioritizing his long-term health and recovery over a hasty return to play. “Regardless of the rehabilitation period, we have decided to exclude Kim Do-young from the rest of the season to allow him to focus on recovery,” the statement continued.
This marks the third time this season Kim has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. The first incident occurred back on March 22 during the opening game against the NC Dinos, where he suffered a grade 1 hamstring strain while running the bases. After a month of rehabilitation, Kim made his return, only to injure his right hamstring on May 27 during a stolen base attempt against the Kiwoom Heroes. That setback kept him out for over two months. Remarkably, Kim had only just returned to the lineup three games before this latest mishap, making the timing all the more frustrating for both player and club.
Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky for professional athletes, especially those whose game relies on explosive speed and agility. For Kim, who boasts a rare combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess, the repeated setbacks are particularly concerning. Medical experts warn that once a hamstring muscle is torn, the risk of recurrence is significantly higher—a reality Kim and the Tigers are now grappling with. Yet, at just 21 years old, there’s optimism that with proper management and rehabilitation, Kim can reduce the risk of future injuries. The club’s decision to shut him down for the season reflects a commitment to his long-term career rather than short-term gains.
Kim Do-young’s rapid ascent in Korean baseball has been nothing short of sensational. A product of Gwangju Dongseong High School, he was drafted by the KIA Tigers in 2022 as their first overall pick—a choice that sparked plenty of debate at the time. But Kim quickly silenced any doubters. In his breakout 2024 season, he appeared in 141 games, posted a dazzling .347 batting average, smashed 38 home runs, and racked up 109 RBIs. Those numbers catapulted him to the league’s Most Valuable Player award and saw him sweep several year-end honors. His dynamic play—combining power, speed, and defensive excellence—drew comparisons to KBO legend Lee Jong-beom, with some even dubbing him the “second Lee Jong-beom.”
But as dazzling as his career highlights have been, Kim’s professional journey has been dogged by injuries. Since his debut, he has endured five separate stints on the injured list, each lasting a month or more. In August 2022, Kim missed significant time after being struck on the left hand by a batted ball during a game against the SSG Landers. The following April, a fractured left metatarsal suffered while rounding the bases in Incheon sidelined him for nearly three months. Even international play brought no respite: during the 2023 Asia Professional Baseball Championship final against Japan, Kim tore a ligament in his left thumb after a headfirst slide into first base. Each time, he fought his way back, only to face a new setback.
This year, the pattern has been painfully familiar. Kim’s season began with promise but quickly unraveled due to recurring hamstring issues. In just 30 games, he managed 7 home runs and 27 RBIs—solid numbers by most standards, but a far cry from his MVP campaign. Fans and analysts alike have voiced concern about the mounting toll of these injuries. The Tigers, meanwhile, have struggled to fill the void left by their star infielder, particularly as they try to maintain their position in the KBO’s top five.
“It’s a big blow for us, no question,” said a KIA Tigers representative. “Kim Do-young is a cornerstone of our infield and a leader in the clubhouse. But his health comes first, and we’re committed to supporting him through his recovery.” The team’s cautious approach may frustrate some supporters eager for a playoff push, but it underscores the reality of managing elite athletes’ long-term wellbeing.
Kim’s resilience and talent have caught the eye of scouts beyond Korea, with some speculating about a future move to Major League Baseball. His performance in last year’s Premier12 tournament only fueled such talk, as he dazzled international audiences and showcased his all-around game. For now, though, the focus is firmly on rest and rehabilitation.
The KIA Tigers, currently battling for a playoff spot, must now regroup and adjust their strategy for the remainder of the season. With Kim sidelined, others will need to step up both offensively and defensively. The road ahead won’t be easy, but the Tigers have weathered adversity before.
As for Kim Do-young, the coming weeks will be about healing—not just physically, but mentally as well. The hope is that with time, rest, and the right medical care, he’ll return stronger and more resilient than ever. For now, Tigers fans and baseball lovers across Korea will be watching and waiting, eager to see one of the game’s brightest stars back on the diamond when the time is right.
