(Asiad) KBO home run leader undergoes surgery for broken nose, Asian Games status in jeopardy

SEOUL, Sept. 10 - Kia Tigers' star player Kim Do-yeong, the former South Korean baseball MVP, has undergone surgery to repair a broken nose, according to a statement from his club. The injury occurred on Wednesday night during a game against the NC Dinos at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju. The ball hit Kim's face following an unsuccessful bunt attempt, causing him to bleed immediately.

A team trainer quickly covered Kim's face with a towel, and he was subsequently replaced by a pinch hitter. Kim will be released from the hospital on Friday and the team will continue to monitor his recovery before determining his return date. Currently, the injury is deemed not serious, and Kim remains on the active roster. At 22 years old, Kim is having a strong comeback season, having played all 122 games this year despite multiple hamstring injuries.

He is among the top offensive performers in the league, leading with 40 home runs and 105 runs scored, and is considered a strong contender for another MVP award. Should he miss the Asian Games, it would be a significant loss for both the Kia Tigers, who are vying for a playoff spot, and the South Korean national team, which aims for its fifth consecutive gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

The team's players, all KBO stars, are set to begin training camp on Tuesday in Seoul and depart for Nagoya on September 18. South Korea's opening match is scheduled against Chinese Taipei on September 21.