The Hanwha Eagles have appointed Ryu Ji-hyun as their 15th manager, according to 경향신문 and 연합뉴스. Ryu, who has been leading South Korea's national baseball team, takes over the KBO club's top job, the reports said Tuesday.
Ryu said he intends to build a strong team by winning games together with the fans, 경향신문 reported. The appointment was carried by multiple South Korean outlets, including YTN and KBS 뉴스, which also identified him as the national team manager.
According to 조선일보, Hanwha's selection process for the new skipper covered scouting, public relations, operations and strategy, and the club described the move as a first in its history. The Chosun Ilbo report framed the hiring as an unconventional promotion.
The Eagles, based in Daejeon, compete in the Korea Baseball Organization. Ryu becomes the latest figure to take charge of the club as it looks to reshape its on-field leadership.
Ryu's first task will be assembling a coaching staff and preparing the roster for the coming season.
