The 21-year-old military's sidearm is 151km, and even the chief of staff explodes in high praise, "It's unusual."

Woo Kang-hoon wore the Lotte Giants uniform with the 41st overall pick in the second and fifth rounds in the 2021 rookie draft. But he couldn't play right away. Prior to entering the pro league, he underwent elbow ligament conjugation surgery (Tommy John Surgery) and devoted himself to rehabilitation. In November 2021, he joined the military on active duty and faithfully fulfilled his military service obligations.

Woo Kang-hoon, who graduated from Hope Elementary School, Maesong Middle School, and Yatap High School, made his dream professional debut against Sajik LG on the 5th. At that time, Woo Kang-hoon made a strong impression on Lotte fans by striking out two and perfect pitching in two innings. He entertained Lotte fans by throwing fast balls with a maximum speed of 151 kilometers. He also showed off his power by properly using curves, sliders, and changeups.

SBS Sports commentator Kim Tae-hyung (56), who was a commentator on the broadcast at the time, said, "The ball itself can give you a pass in the first division. It is flexible and has good arm swing. It's really great to have. "If you go in like that (to your body), it will not be easy to hit Woo Kang-hoon's ball," he praised.

After his debut game, Woo Kang-hoon told Star News, "I wasn't very nervous until I went out, but I was nervous when I pitched in practice. Still, catching one batter made me feel comfortable, and I threw my ball. Yoo Kang-nam said, "Hit it and throw it confidently," so I trusted and threw it. I just looked in the middle and kept throwing," he said. "I couldn't throw a lot of balls while watching baseball in the military, but I grew up a lot focusing on weight training. It was even better because his first appearance was at Sajik Stadium. As soon as I went up, I heard the fans cheering for each ball and threw it harder," he said.

Woo Kang-hoon also took the mound in the ninth inning against LG in Jamsil on the 9th and was responsible for one inning. He gave up a walk after a seven-pitch game with leadoff hitter Moon Sung-joo. The maximum speed of his fastball was 149 kilometers (based on Naver text messages). However, after striking out pinch hitter Moon Bo-kyung with a swing and miss on the sixth pitch, he gave up a hit to follow-up Seo Geon-chang, but induced Kim Bum-seok to hit a double play in front of the third baseman to end the game.

Woo Kang-hoon's pitching seems to have been impressive in the eyes of the master who led the team to the regular league title this season. LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said of Woo Kang-hoon, "It was okay. "I saw him for the first time in Busan, and I thought, 'Why didn't I use such a player quickly?'" he said in a surprised tone. However, Woo Kang-hoon completed his military service in May as an active athlete and was an unknown nurturing player who did not even sign a contract. Director Yeom couldn't have known, of course. Manager Yeom praised it, saying, "He is a pitcher who can take on not only the winning group but also the save pitcher next season." 안전놀이터

Lotte's acting head coach Lee Jong-un also praised Woo Kang-hoon. Acting manager Lee said, "I'm looking forward to it in the future. After being discharged from the military, he built up his body for about two months in the second division. Even then, the ball was good. have a fast ball. The ball is also controlled near the strike zone. I was worried that it would be a burden even in a situation where there were many fans, but he threw well. I think both starting and bullpen are possible. "If you throw it into the bullpen, it will be a very strong bullpen resource," he said. Regarding the starting position, he then said, "We need to see the ability to throw long, such as physical strength."

Woo Kang-hoon, who received praise from current and former head coaches. Although the Lotte Giants' season is almost over this season, expectations for him next season are already rising.