E2024-G009
The Roar of the South: The Story of the Kia Tigers
Narrative
Gwangju holds a special place in the history of Korean professional baseball. The Haitai Tigers, based in this southern city, dominated the league from their founding in 1982 until 2001, winning the Korean Series nine times. Operated by Haitai Confectionery, the team played its home games at Mudeung Baseball Stadium in Gwangju, which became both a major sports venue and a sacred site for local fans.
The team’s most iconic figure during this era was pitcher Sun Dong-yol (1963- ). Known for his powerful fastballs and precise control, he dominated the mound as the ace of the Haitai Tigers. Following him, Lee Jong-beom (1970- )—nicknamed the “Son of the Wind” for his speed and aggressive batting—led the team’s offense with remarkable flair. Afterward, the team was acquired by Kia Motors and renamed the Kia Tigers. The new era saw the rise of stars like pitcher Yang Hyeon-Jong (1988- ) and outfielders Choi Hyoung-woo (1984- ) and Na Sung-bum (1989- ), who continued the team’s proud tradition. In 2014, the Tigers moved to their new home stadium, Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
From Haitai to Kia, the legacy of baseball in Gwangju lives on as a vital part of the city’s sports culture and collective memory.
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