What Makes a True Captain? Inside Doosan Bears’ Leadership Crisis and the Changing Spirit of the Team

The Legacy of Kim Jae-ho: What Makes a Doosan Captain?

Did you know that Kim Jae-ho’s tenure as Doosan Bears’ captain is still a reference point for Korean baseball fans? From 2016 to 2017, Kim Jae-ho was more than just a skilled shortstop—he embodied the team’s culture of discipline, mutual respect, and relentless drive. Even after stepping down due to injury, his influence lingered. The Bears’ golden era, marked by multiple championships, was underpinned by a sense of unity and a clear identity. Kim’s approach to leadership was about leading by example, maintaining high standards in training, and encouraging open communication. Fans and players alike saw him as the glue that held the team together.
Recent interviews and tributes highlight how his presence set expectations for what it means to wear the captain’s armband in Doosan. His retirement in 2025 left a void not just in the lineup, but in the team’s heart. Community posts on DC Inside and FM Korea often reminisce about how the “old Doosan” felt different—more like a family, less like a collection of individuals.

From Stability to Turmoil: The Post-Kim Jae-ho Years

After Kim Jae-ho, the Bears entered a period of uncertainty. Captains like Kim Jae-hwan (2022) and Heo Kyung-min (2023) struggled to replicate his leadership style. Fans on sites like Daum and Naver commented that while these players were talented, they lacked the gravitas and communication skills that Kim brought to the role. The 2024 season, led by Yang Seok-hwan, was particularly controversial. Reports and community posts described a fractured locker room, with senior players allegedly excluding themselves from team activities and younger players feeling targeted by public criticism. The media often picked up on these rifts, and discussions on Instiz and Nate Pann reflected growing frustration among fans. Many pointed fingers at both the captain and manager Lee Seung-yeop, accusing them of failing to protect the team’s unity and instead fueling divisions.

Lee Seung-yeop’s Leadership: Between Criticism and Compassion

Lee Seung-yeop, a baseball legend as a player, faced a different challenge as Doosan’s manager. While he brought a wealth of experience, his approach to handling team dynamics drew mixed reviews. Some fans on Theqoo and PGR21 argued that Lee was too passive, often hiding behind the media and failing to confront senior players directly. Instead, younger players bore the brunt of public criticism, which only deepened the sense of unease in the dugout. Others felt that Lee’s loyalty to veterans was both a strength and a weakness, as it sometimes prevented necessary changes and stifled the emergence of new leaders. This period saw Doosan’s performance dip, and the once-proud culture of “Hustle Doo” seemed to fade.

The Yang Seok-hwan Captaincy: A Turning Point?

Yang Seok-hwan’s time as captain in 2024 became a flashpoint for fan debates. Community reactions were sharply divided: some appreciated his attempts to enforce discipline and tradition, but many criticized his “old boys’ club” mentality. Posts on DC Inside and Nate Pann accused him of encouraging cliques and failing to bridge the gap between generations. The phrase “형들은 빠지라며 짬질” (roughly, “the seniors just skipped out”) became a meme among fans, symbolizing the perceived arrogance and disconnect of the leadership. This atmosphere, according to both insiders and fans, contributed to Doosan’s lackluster results and a sense of malaise that was hard to shake.

A New Direction: Cho Sung-hwan and Yang Eui-ji Take the Helm

In 2025, a shift began. Interim manager Cho Sung-hwan, known for his open communication and willingness to give young players a chance, started to reshape the team’s culture. Veteran catcher Yang Eui-ji, now captain, emphasized unity, mentorship, and accountability. Recent articles and blog posts highlight how both have worked to restore trust and energy to the Bears. Community reactions have turned cautiously optimistic, with fans noting more visible camaraderie and a renewed sense of purpose. The dugout, once tense, now seems more supportive. International readers should know that in Korean baseball, the captain’s role is deeply symbolic—seen as a bridge between management and players, and a standard-bearer for team values.

Cultural Insights: Why Leadership Matters in Korean Baseball

Korean sports culture places a premium on hierarchy, respect, and collective identity. The captain isn’t just a title; it’s a responsibility to maintain harmony and inspire both veterans and rookies. When leadership falters, as it did in the Bears’ recent history, the effects ripple through the entire organization. Fandoms are vocal and passionate, often driving the narrative on social media and community boards. Understanding the Bears’ journey from Kim Jae-ho’s era to today offers a window into the broader dynamics of Korean sports: the struggle to balance tradition with change, and the ongoing search for leaders who can unite rather than divide.

Fan Voices: Community Reactions and the Fandom’s Role

Fans on platforms like DC Inside, FM Korea, and Naver have been both critical and hopeful. Positive comments praise the new leadership for fostering a more inclusive and energetic environment. Negative posts still express skepticism, warning that old habits die hard. A representative comment from FM Korea reads, “We finally see players smiling again—maybe this is the start of a new Doosan.” Meanwhile, some on Theqoo recall the golden days, urging current leaders to learn from the past. The Bears’ fandom is known for its loyalty and creativity, often organizing events and campaigns to support the team even in tough times.

Looking Ahead: Can Doosan Restore Its Identity?

As of June 2025, Doosan Bears stand at a crossroads. The team’s performance is still a work in progress, but the cultural shift is undeniable. With Cho Sung-hwan and Yang Eui-ji at the forefront, there’s a sense that the Bears are reclaiming their spirit. For international fans, this saga isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s a story of how leadership, tradition, and community shape the destiny of a beloved sports club. Will Doosan’s new era bring back the glory days? Only time will tell, but for now, hope is back in the dugout.