There is considerable interest in whether Ryu Joong-il, a veteran leader in the Korean baseball world, will serve as a manager for the 2025 baseball season. Manager Ryu, who has left a significant mark over a long period by working with professional baseball teams and the national team, is currently not holding an official managerial position. In particular, his contract as the manager of the South Korean national baseball team ended in 2025, and no major international tournaments are scheduled for the time being, so it is expected that there will be no direct coaching activities in the baseball field.
Manager Ryu played as the starting shortstop for the Samsung Lions during his playing days, showcasing outstanding skills, including winning two Golden Glove awards. After retiring, he became a coach, and after coaching the Samsung Lions, he was appointed as the manager of the Samsung Lions in 2011. During his tenure as Samsung's manager, he led the team to win the regular season for five consecutive years and the Korean Series for four consecutive years, earning the nickname 'Yatong'.
Manager Ryu also played an important role as the manager of the South Korean national baseball team, in addition to being a professional team manager. He took the helm of the national team twice, from 2013 to 2014 and from 2023 to 2025. In particular, at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games (held in 2023 due to COVID-19), he led a national team composed mainly of young players to win the gold medal, and he was praised for successfully achieving a generational shift.
However, Manager Ryu's term as national team manager ended when the national team was eliminated early in the WBSC Premier12 tournament held in November 2024. The KBO extended Manager Ryu's contract for one year in February 2024, assigning him to the national team manager position until 2025, but the contract expired with the end of the Premier12.
As of now, there has been no official announcement that Manager Ryu will take on the manager position of a specific professional team or another international tournament national team in the 2025 season. As no major international baseball tournaments are scheduled for 2025, there will also be no activity as the national team manager. Manager Ryu has previously served as the manager of the LG Twins (2018-2020), and he is currently known to be working as a defensive/base running instructor for the Gyeongbuk High School baseball team.
Recently, Manager Ryu was also mentioned in the media due to personal matters. He drew public attention by filing a national petition regarding issues related to his former daughter-in-law, but this matter is not directly related to his performance as a baseball manager.
Manager Ryu has made a significant contribution to the development of Korean baseball by leading the golden age of the Samsung Lions and contributing to the achievements of the national team in international tournaments. His 'hyung leadership' and outstanding strategy have left a deep impression on many fans. Although he will not be in an official managerial position in 2025, his rich experience and deep understanding of baseball are assets that can positively influence Korean baseball at any time. It is noteworthy what form he will take with Korean baseball in the future. Baseball fans are looking forward to Manager Ryu's new moves.
Q1: Which team will Manager Ryu Joong-il manage in 2025?
A1: As of now, there has been no official announcement that Manager Ryu will take on the manager position of a specific professional team or national team in the 2025 season. His contract as the manager of the South Korean national baseball team expired with the end of the 2024 Premier12 tournament.
Q2: When was Manager Ryu Joong-il's contract with the national team supposed to end?
A2: Manager Ryu was contracted as the manager of the South Korean national baseball team from 2023 to 2025, but his term expired with the end of the Premier12 tournament in November 2024.
Q3: What are Manager Ryu Joong-il's major achievements?
A3: Manager Ryu won the regular season for five consecutive years and the Korean Series for four consecutive years during his time as the manager of the Samsung Lions, and he led the South Korean national baseball team to win the gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
Q4: What is Manager Ryu Joong-il currently doing?
A4: He is currently known to be working as a defensive/base running instructor for the Gyeongbuk High School baseball team. Recently, he also filed a national petition due to personal matters.
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