Ryu Hyun-jin, the veteran South Korean pitcher and previous ace of the national team, made his final appearance in the World Baseball Classic against the Dominican Republic, where he struggled significantly, pitching just 1⅔ innings and allowing 3 runs. Despite a strong start, he faltered in the second inning, leading to his team's 0-10 loss via the mercy rule. This defeat not only ended the game prematurely but also marked a somber conclusion to Ryu's illustrious national team career spanning over 16 years.

Ryu's baseball journey with the South Korean national team began in 2006 and included notable achievements such as a gold medal at the 2009 Beijing Olympics and strong performances in multiple international tournaments, including two World Baseball Classics. His return to the national team after 17 years, although filled with nostalgia, ended in disappointment as Ryu recognized the shift in his performance at the age of 39. He expressed both pride and regret, stating that the experience for younger players would be invaluable, and highlighted the importance of international exposure for the future of Korean baseball.

Reflecting on his career, Ryu acknowledged the difficulties of his final game but remained hopeful for the younger generation of players. He emphasized the lessons learned by competing against the top talents in Major League Baseball and expressed gratitude for the support from his coaches and teammates. Ryu Hyun-jin's retirement from the national team resonates not just as the end of an era for himself, but as an inspirational message for the future of Korean baseball, reinforcing the potential of its upcoming stars.