{
  "id": 18849574,
  "title": "With Korean Series title in sight, Lions manager calls on players to keep having fun",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/with-korean-series-title-in-sight-lions-manager-calls-on-players-to-18849574",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T03:42:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/sports/20261108/with-korean-series-title-in-sight-lions-manager-calls-on-players-to-keep-having-fun"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the 2026 Korean baseball season, Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man addressed his team after they secured a place in the championship. He emphasized the importance of maintaining their enjoyment on the field, as their focus on having fun has been a key factor in their success. The Lions currently lead the best-of-seven series against KT Wiz 3-1, with victory on Sunday guaranteeing their first title since 2014. Park expressed his hope that the team's enthusiasm would continue, noting that the win would undoubtedly contribute to their enjoyment. The Lions' recent three-game winning streak, including two victories in Daegu, has been instrumental in revitalizing their team spirit. Manager Park praised outfielder Park Seung-kyu for introducing a more exuberant atmosphere to the squad. He acknowledged that the Lions had previously displayed a more serious demeanor, but Park Seung-kyu's enthusiastic celebrations have transformed their culture, fostering a more positive and spirited environment.",
  "summary": "With his team just a win away from winning the 2026 Korean baseball title, Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man said Sunday he wanted nothing more from his players than to keep having fun. \"I had no special pep talk for the team before the game,\" Park said in his media availability before Game 5 of the Korean Series at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu. The Lions lead the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Samsung Lions secure spot in 2026 Korean baseball championship",
    "Manager Park Jin-man urges team to keep enjoying the game",
    "Lions lead series 3-1, first title since 2014"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing a joyful team culture over a serious demeanor shifts the Lions' psychological approach toward securing their first championship title in over a decade.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "With Korean Series title in sight, Lions manager calls on players to keep having fun",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/with-korean-series-title-in-sight-lions-manager-calls-on-players-to",
        "published": "2026-11-08T02:54:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}