The Korean national baseball team returned home after reaching the World Baseball Classic (WBC) quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years, though falling short of the semifinals.
The team, led by manager Ryu Ji-hyun, arrived at Incheon International Airport on the morning of March 16 via chartered flight.
After taking a group photo upon arrival, the team officially disbanded. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) prepared a banner reading, "We will not forget the fans' support. We will repay you with change and effort."
Under Ryu's leadership, the Korean team achieved partial success in this tournament. After suffering the humiliation of first-round eliminations in three consecutive tournaments in 2013, 2017, and 2023, Korea reached the quarterfinals for the first time since finishing runner-up in 2009.
However, the team was eliminated on March 14 (Korea time) after losing 0-10 to the Dominican Republic in the 2026 WBC quarterfinals at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. Korea was overwhelmed both at the plate and on the mound, experiencing firsthand the gap with the world's best.
