Kim Kang Min Set For Special Retirement Ceremony At SSG

Kim Kang-min, a beloved figure in Korean professional baseball, is set to bid a memorable farewell to fans at Incheon SSG Landers Field on June 28, 2025. The SSG Landers, along with their fans, will celebrate the retirement of one of their franchise’s most iconic players during the home game against the Hanwha Eagles. This event marks the culmination of Kim’s remarkable 24-season career, a journey that began in 2001 and spanned over two decades, predominantly with SSG and its predecessor, the SK Wyverns.

The retirement ceremony, themed "Remember the Beast," honors Kim Kang-min’s nickname and reputation as a formidable center fielder known for his wide defensive range and tenacity. The nickname “Beast” reflects his relentless spirit and exceptional defensive prowess, which earned him widespread admiration throughout his career. Fans attending the game will be treated to special memorabilia, including LED light sticks and keyring sets emblazoned with the "Remember the Beast" slogan, and tickets featuring a unique design symbolizing Kim’s legacy.

Kim’s retirement ceremony will be a heartfelt occasion, with his first daughter, Kim Na-gyeol, throwing the ceremonial first pitch, and his second and third daughters, Kim Min-gyeol and Kim Li-an, participating in the ceremonial batting. This family involvement adds a deeply personal and touching element to the event, underscoring the significance of Kim’s career not only to the sport but also to his family.

Initially, Kim Kang-min was hesitant to participate in the special entry that allows retired players to be registered on the game roster beyond the usual limits to mark their retirement games. However, after discussions with the SSG organization about the ceremony’s details, he embraced the opportunity to step onto the field one last time and thank the fans in person. According to SSG, "Initially, the club and the player agreed not to proceed with the special entry due to his physical condition, but as the event details were prepared, both sides found common ground to express gratitude to the fans on the field through the special entry."

On June 28, Kim will be listed as the starting center fielder for the game against Hanwha. He will take the field during the first inning to greet the fans from the position he so famously manned throughout his career. Immediately after this, he will be replaced by the regular starting center fielder, acknowledging his current physical limitations but allowing him a symbolic final appearance. This arrangement follows a KBO policy established in 2021 that permits retired players to be registered on the roster for their retirement ceremonies, even if it exceeds the usual roster limits.

Kim Kang-min is the seventh player in KBO history to utilize this special entry for a retirement game and the eighth overall to be registered under this system. The first player to use this system was Kim Tae-kyun, who retired after the 2020 season and participated in a retirement game against SSG on May 29, 2021. Since then, several notable players, including Park Yong-taik, Na Ji-wan, and Oh Jae-won, have also taken advantage of this system to mark their farewells on the field.

Kim’s professional journey began when he was drafted 18th overall in the 2nd round of the 2001 rookie draft by the SK Wyverns. He remained loyal to the franchise for 23 years, including the period after the team was acquired and rebranded as SSG in 2021. During this time, Kim appeared in 1,919 games, boasting a batting average of .274, accumulating 1,470 hits, 138 home runs, 674 RBIs, 805 runs scored, and 209 stolen bases. His contributions were instrumental in SSG’s dynasty, helping the team secure five Korean Series championships in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2018, and 2022.

One of the most memorable highlights of Kim’s career was in the 2022 Korean Series, where he hit a dramatic walk-off home run in Game 5, earning him the prestigious Series MVP award. This moment epitomized his clutch performance and leadership on the field, cementing his status as a franchise legend.

Although Kim was widely expected to retire as a "one-club man," he surprised fans by transferring to the Hanwha Eagles via the 2nd round draft in November 2023. He played his final active season with Hanwha in 2024, appearing in 41 games with a batting average of .224, 1 home run, 7 RBIs, and 5 runs scored. Toward the end of the 2024 regular season, Kim announced his retirement intentions to Hanwha, bringing his illustrious 24-season career to a close.

Kim’s overall career statistics are impressive, with 1,960 games played, a batting average of .273, 1,487 hits, 139 home runs, 681 RBIs, 810 runs scored, and 209 stolen bases. His longevity and consistent performance have made him a respected figure in Korean baseball.

In case of inclement weather, such as rain causing the cancellation of the June 28 game, SSG has confirmed that the retirement ceremony will be rescheduled in consultation with Kim Kang-min to ensure that fans and the player alike can properly commemorate this milestone.

Kim Kang-min’s retirement ceremony promises to be a fitting tribute to a player who has left an indelible mark on Korean baseball. From his early days as a promising rookie to his emergence as a key player in multiple championship runs, and finally to his emotional farewell, Kim’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and profound impact. Fans and teammates alike will have the opportunity to celebrate his legacy and say goodbye to the "Beast" who dominated the outfield for over two decades.