As the general manager, I don’t want to pass on responsibility. “I decided to write the report first.”

KIA Tigers general manager Shim Jae-hak defined the 2023 season as a failure. Since coach Kim Jong-guk repeatedly apologized to the fans in the final two-game series against NC Dinos on the 16th and 17th, it can be seen that the heads of the field and front office are keenly aware of their responsibility.

On the surface, there are two reasons for KIA's failure this season. First of all, there were too many injuries even before the opening game. After suffering from major and minor injuries throughout the year, starting with the Kim Tae-gun trade in early July, they briefly built up a full force until the end of August and achieved 9 consecutive wins, turning a circuit of hope forward.

However, at the end of the season, Lee Ui-ri, Mario Sanchez, Park Chan-ho, Na Seong-beom, Choi Hyeong-woo, Park Chan-ho, and Choi Won-jun fell one after another, completely cutting off the momentum to advance to the semifinals. It is true that there was an injury at the moment of failure in the season. However, behind the scenes, a vicious cycle was gradually growing due to the failure of the four foreign pitchers and the resulting overload of the bullpen. There were quite a few games where we couldn't catch even though our batting lineup was on fire.

It is also true that there is some bad fan sentiment toward director Kim Jong-kook. It is known that, apart from false stories centered on OTT being circulated as fact, the club is also aware of this phenomenon itself. Of course, coach Kim Jong-kook's term ends until the 2024 season.

General Manager Shim Jae-hak realized the failure of the 2023 season ahead of the Gwangju NC game on the 16th. “Today, I had a general meeting with the power planning team and scout team. If you really think about it, it was a failed season. I'll hear your thoughts on it. “I will write the report first,” he said.

All clubs are required to submit season settlements and reports to the parent company. KIA is also part of this, and since New Tigers finished its second year in 6th place, there is great interest in what will be included. Director Shim Jae-hak explains that these reports will serve as important reference materials for preparation for the 2024 season.

Director Shim Jae-hak said, “We will receive each department’s thoughts in a report, and I will also write it. “I plan to reflect that in next year’s plans.” It is a firm determination to look back on the 2023 season as calmly and transparently as possible and prepare for the 2024 season, without simply being biased towards the views of specific members. Each department’s report is a kind of ‘open paper’ for reflection and leap forward.