Choi Won-ho Named South Korea Manager for 2026 APBC

South Korea has appointed former Hanwha Eagles manager Choi Won-ho to lead its national team at the 2026 Asia Professional Baseball Championship, giving an experienced international coach the task of ending Japan’s unbeaten run in the tournament.

The Korea Baseball Organization announced the appointment on Monday, October 19. The APBC will be played from November 12–15 at Tokyo Dome, with South Korea joining host Japan, Chinese Taipei and Australia.

Why South Korea chose Choi Won-ho

Choi, 53, brings experience from both the KBO and South Korea’s national-team staff. He previously managed the Hanwha Eagles and worked as South Korea’s quality-control coach at the 2026 World Baseball Classic before serving as pitching coach during the Asian Games.

South Korea reached the WBC quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years and then won a fifth consecutive Asian Games baseball gold medal. The KBO said Choi’s experience with roster construction, team operations and international tournament environments made him a strong fit for the APBC assignment.

Choi replaces Ryu Ji-hyun, who left the national-team position after being hired as Hanwha’s manager. Choi’s contract currently runs through the APBC, while the remainder of his coaching staff will be announced later.

South Korea begins training November 2

The Korean squad will open its training camp on November 2 at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark. The tournament is designed primarily for players aged 24 or younger, although each team can include up to three older players who meet the competition’s experience rules.

South Korea has reached the final in both previous APBC editions but lost to Japan in 2017 and 2023. Choi will therefore take over a talented young roster with a clear target: guide Korea past Japan and claim its first APBC title.