Typhoon Champi Postpones Samsung–KIA KBO Playoff Opener to October 26
Typhoon Champi postpones Samsung vs KIA KBO playoff Game 1 to October 26. See the updated schedule, pitchers and Korean Series implications.
World Baseball News Editorial Team , 2 min read 
Typhoon Champi has forced the opening game of the 2026 KBO playoffs between the Samsung Lions and KIA Tigers to be postponed. The best-of-five series was due to begin at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on Sunday, October 25, but persistent rain left the field covered and the game was called off before the scheduled 2 p.m. start. Game 1 will now take place at the same stadium on Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. Korean time.
The Korea Baseball Organization made the decision after rain continued through the morning, with more forecast for the afternoon and evening. Even if conditions improved, removing the protective tarp and preparing the field would have taken approximately an hour, leaving the risk of further disruption.
Samsung–KIA playoff schedule moves back one day
The postponement changes more than Monday’s first pitch. Game 2 is now scheduled for October 27 in Daegu, followed by a travel day on October 28. The series then shifts to Gwangju for Games 3 and 4 on October 29 and 30, with the fourth game played only if necessary.
If the matchup requires a decisive fifth game, it will be played in Daegu on November 1. That could also affect the start of the Korean Series against regular-season champion KT Wiz, currently scheduled for November 2. If the playoff ends within four games, the championship schedule can remain unchanged.
It is the first rainout of this KBO postseason. According to Korean reports citing league records, it is the ninth playoff rainout and the 26th across KBO postseason history.
Chris Paddack and James Naile remain Game 1 starters
Both clubs have retained their announced starting pitchers despite the extra day’s wait. Samsung will send Chris Paddack to the mound against KIA right-hander James Naile.
Paddack went 7–3 with a 2.95 ERA in 13 regular-season appearances for the Lions. Naile finished 13–7 with a 3.49 ERA for the Tigers, who advanced after sweeping the LG Twins in three semi-playoff games.
The weather has interrupted one of the most anticipated matchups of the Korean postseason, but neither club has lost its opening-game pitching plan. Instead, the series now begins under the lights on Monday, with a possible knock-on effect for the championship calendar if it goes the distance.
