"'Mungchan' Hong Seong-heun Reveals Kim Byung-hyun During Active Career: 'A Player Hard to Approach' (Summary)"

Photo by JTBC '뭉쳐야 찬다'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jeong-ho] Hong Seong-heun, who joined as a mercenary for 'Eojjeoda FC,' became a hot topic by revealing his connection with junior Kim Byung-heon.

On the afternoon of the 27th, JTBC's 'We Must Play Together' (hereafter 'Mungchan') aired, featuring Lee Yong-dae and Ha Tae-kwon, who appeared as mercenaries last week, and the new mercenary Hong Seong-heun.

That day, Ahn Jung-hwan explained the reason for calling back the two players, saying, "I decided to watch once more. Lee Yong-dae scored a goal, and Ha Tae-kwon was very passionate and worked hard."

Ahn Jung-hwan had particular concerns about Ha Tae-kwon. He said, "I thought a lot for several days. He's like a cold potato. Cold potatoes are easier to eat, right? Considering what I experienced, I wondered if I could endure this person," arousing curiosity.

Next to him, Kim Seong-joo explained an anecdote about Ha Tae-kwon's admiration for the coach from last week. Kim Seong-joo said with a smile, "Before getting into his own car, he opened the coach's car door, greeted the coach who was sitting and resting, then closed the door and left for home."

Afterward, the new mercenary Hong Seong-heun appeared.

Upon Hong Seong-heun's arrival, fellow former baseball players Yang Joon-hyuk and Kim Byung-hyun showed a teasing attitude, saying, "Tired, tired," drawing attention.

In response, Hong Seong-heun shared anecdotes about Kim Byung-hyun, saying, "Kim Byung-hyun always had his own baseball philosophy." Kim Byung-hyun then clicked his tongue, saying, "Seong-heun hyung is very talkative."

Hong Seong-heun was also teased not only by the baseball team but also by fellow mercenaries Ha Tae-kwon and Kim Dong-hyun. Ha Tae-kwon, who showed a spirited appearance during his first appearance last week, appeared nervous at Hong Seong-heun's energetic entrance, bringing laughter.

Seeing this, Kim Dong-hyun asked, "What position do you look at when playing soccer?" Hong Seong-heun replied, "Goalkeeper. I was a catcher when playing baseball," which embarrassed Kim Dong-hyun, who currently plays as a goalkeeper. Hearing this, Jung Hyung-don said, "Hong Seong-heun's arrival turned everything upside down," causing laughter.

It is known that Hong Seong-heun and Kim Byung-hyun were roommates while playing at the same university. Hong Seong-heun said about Kim Byung-hyun, "He was a player who was hard to approach, and I didn't expect him to appear on a show like this. He said it was hard because I talked a lot."

Hong Seong-heun mentioned that Kim Byung-hyun was a big star at the time, surprising those around him.

Furthermore, Hong Seong-heun said, "He had his own baseball philosophy, so he didn't listen to others no matter what they said," and added, "He was very stubborn," describing Kim Byung-hyun's personality at the time.

Kim Byung-hyun praised Hong Seong-heun, saying, "Back in 1998, when I was quiet, he was the senior who pulled me along," and "I thought there was no player like him."

In response, Jung Hyung-don revealed, "Don't lie. He made a hand gesture when Hong Seong-heun came in." Kim Byung-heon once told Heo Jae upon Hong Seong-heun's arrival, "Seong-heun hyung is fast on his feet and talks a lot."

Embarrassed, Kim Byung-hyun denied the backtalk, saying, "Among the catchers I've worked with so far, he's the best partner." Jung Hyung-don asked, "Yang Joon-hyuk or Hong Seong-heun?" and Kim Byung-heon coughed awkwardly, causing laughter.

Yang Joon-hyuk and Hong Seong-heun share the commonality of being Rookie of the Year awardees. Yang Joon-hyuk complimented, "In a way, I was the first to do the bat flip, and he does the bat flip really cool." Previously, Hong Seong-heun gained great popularity for his powerful hitting during his active career.

Also, Hong Seong-heun said, "After hitting 2,000 hits, I wasn't interested in my career in Korea, only in the bat flip," and added, "In San Diego, I taught players the bat flip, so it became popular," bringing laughter.

Afterward, Hong Seong-heun and Yang Joon-hyuk engaged in a bat flip battle, putting their pride on the line. They showed exceptional competitiveness and passion for their main profession, surprising everyone.

Meanwhile, 'We Must Play Together' airs every Sunday at 7:40 PM.