Ryu Hyun-jin, widely regarded as South Korea's greatest pitcher of the 21st century, has announced his retirement from the national team.
After South Korea's quarterfinal loss to the Dominican Republic at the 2026 World Baseball Classic on March 14 at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, Ryu spoke with reporters.
"I think this is the end," Ryu said. "The ending is disappointing, but it was an honor to return to the national team and play alongside the younger players."
Ryu wore the Taegeuk mark for the first time in 16 years since the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. Starting against the Dominican Republic in the WBC quarterfinal, he pitched 1⅔ innings, throwing 40 pitches while allowing 3 hits, 2 walks, 1 strikeout, and 3 earned runs, taking the loss.
South Korea failed to contain the Dominican Republic's powerful lineup, losing 10-0 in a seven-inning mercy rule to exit the tournament.
The Hanwha Eagles pitcher's international career spans over a decade of service to Korean baseball.