SSG Landers’ Kim Kwang-hyun to Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

SSG Landers’ left-handed pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun will undergo surgery in Nagoya, Japan, in late March, effectively ending his 2026 season. The decision follows a period of rehabilitation for osteoporosis in his left shoulder as reported by The Chosun Ilbo.

Injury and Rehabilitation

Kim Kwang-hyun initially experienced left shoulder pain during spring camp in Florida in February and returned to South Korea for evaluation. Diagnostic testing revealed a bone growth in the posterior part of his left shoulder, identified as a fracture causing the discomfort. He subsequently underwent a customized rehabilitation program in Japan starting March 9th, but surgery was deemed necessary.

A Storied Career

Kim Kwang-hyun, a veteran pitcher representing both the SSG Landers and Korean baseball, began his KBO career with the SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers) in 2007. Throughout his career, he has amassed an impressive record of 180 wins and 108 losses, with a 3.43 ERA over 415 games and 2,321.2 innings pitched . He too spent two seasons (2020-2021) with the St. Louis Cardinals in Major League Baseball, recording a 10-7-2 save record and a 2.97 ERA in 35 games (145.2 innings).

Recent Performance and Contract Extension

Prior to his injury, Kim Kwang-hyun had a 10-10 record in 28 games (144 innings) during the 2025 season, with a 5.00 ERA – the first time in his career he posted an ERA above 5.00. He demonstrated resilience in the 2025 postseason, pitching effectively in Game 4 of the semi-playoff against the Samsung Lions.

In June 2025, Kim Kwang-hyun signed a two-year contract extension with the SSG Landers worth 3.6 billion won (approximately $2.6 million), with 3 billion won guaranteed and 600 million won in incentives as reported by the Korea JoongAng Daily. This extension was expected to see him finish his career with the franchise.

Looking Ahead

The SSG Landers anticipate a rehabilitation period of at least six months for Kim Kwang-hyun and will provide full medical and rehabilitation support. Kim Kwang-hyun expressed his determination to return to the mound, stating his hope to play for at least one more year. He also conveyed his apologies to fans and teammates and pledged to support the team during his recovery .