WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL B - KOREA VS CZECH REPUBLIC

March 12, 2023

Kang Chul Lee

Ha-Seong Kim

Tokyo Dome

Team Korea

Postgame Press Conference

Korea 7, Czech Republic 3

Q. First of all, question to congratulations on the victory. What's in your mind right now?

KANG CHUL LEE: Yes, we gave all the effort we could today, and the result, we won. We tried to minimize the earned runs. We gave up three runs, though. We won today but we have to take care -- well, it all depends on the situation for the following games, if we could qualify or not.

Q. What's in your mind right now after hitting a two-run home run?

HA-SEONG KIM: We did our best. Yes, all I can do right now, it all depends on the following games, the result.

Q. Your home run, how do you feel about it and what's your condition?

HA-SEONG KIM: Well, I put all what I could do. I have no problem with my condition.

Q. You have one more game left against China. What's the impression for Team China?

KANG CHUL LEE: Well, baseball in China has improved from previously. They have a great bullpen and they have power on the offense, but this is a must-win game for us, so no matter what it takes, we'll get a win.

Q. What's your impression towards Team China?

HA-SEONG KIM: Well, yes, the development is my impression. All I can say is I'll do my best for tomorrow.

Q. This will be the fourth game for the primary round. Is there any thought for tomorrow's game?

KANG CHUL LEE: The game for tomorrow, like I said, it's a must-win game, so be prepared well.

HA-SEONG KIM: Like the manager said, I'll do my best and get the win.

Q. You have one day rest after the Japanese game. How do you change your mentality from the Japanese game? You have one day of rest and then a game this afternoon.

KANG CHUL LEE: Well, try to forget the past and we try to keep the team's motivation high, and today afternoon's game was a must-win game but I'm asking my players to concentrate on today's game. The most important thing is today, not tomorrow's game. That's what I told my players.

HA-SEONG KIM: Well, we still have a game to go. There's nothing we couldn't do in the past, so the way I changed my mind, the way I switched my mind is focusing on what I can do.

Q. Before the game, you pointed out the Czech team struggled with breaking balls. How do you think your starting pitcher did in that regard and executed that game plan?

KANG CHUL LEE: Yes, the starting pitcher, Park Se Woong, he did a tremendous job with that responsibility. Thanks to him, because he pitched great, we could get a win.