[Anchor]
The professional baseball team KIA and the national baseball team for the Asian Games are on high alert. South Korean baseball star Kim Doyoung was substituted during a game due to an injury and bleeding, and he is currently undergoing detailed medical examinations.
Reporter Bae Jeonghun has the details.
[Reporter]
Kim Doyoung finally hit his 40th home run of the season in the game against Samsung yesterday (September 8), easing any lingering disappointment over missing out on the record for the youngest player to hit 40 home runs in a season, while also raising expectations for the upcoming Asian Games.
However, he was caught off guard by an unexpected injury in today's game against NC.
Stepping up to the plate with no outs and a runner on first base in the bottom of the fourth inning against NC, Kim attempted a surprise bunt on the first pitch. The ball deflected off his bat and struck him directly in the face as he attempted to run toward first base.
Kim, who suffered heavy bleeding from his nose, received first aid from the medical staff to stop the bleeding and was immediately substituted.
Heading back to the dugout in dismay along with the staff, Kim expressed deep frustration.
The KIA club stated that the bleeding has been temporarily stopped and that Kim has moved to a club-designated hospital for a detailed examination.
Home fans at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field are holding their breath and praying for Kim's speedy recovery.
If Kim's injury is severe, it will be an unavoidable and heavy blow to both KIA, which is currently engaged in a fierce battle for the upper ranks, and the national baseball team, which is set to assemble five days from now in preparation for the Asian Games.
[Video Editing: Park Jeong-sam]
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