Doosan's Jung Su-bin brushes off Koo Ja-wook's All-Star performance remarks: 'We're close friends'

Doosan Bears catcher Yang Eui-ji is greeted by teammates Jung Su-bin and Oh Myung-jin after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a Korea Baseball Organization game against the Kia Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on July 14. [Yonhap]

Doosan Bears outfielder Jung Su-bin, 35, drew a line Saturday over remarks by Samsung Lions outfielder Koo Ja-wook, 33, that sparked controversy over All-Star game performances, saying the comments were "not a big deal" to him personally.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO All-Star Game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Saturday, Jung said he and Koo have known each other since they were young. "Ja-wook and I have been close since we were kids, and I know his personality well," Jung said with a laugh. "I think I need to be right there beside him and hype him up."

The controversy began Thursday, when Koo gave a broadcast interview after Samsung's final first-half game against the LG Twins. He said he wanted to approach the All-Star Game seriously and expressed some disappointment at what he described as an atmosphere overly focused on performances.

When the host brought up Jung — who had recently promoted his All-Star fan vote campaign with a "gyaru" concept — Koo said, "Well, since you got voted in that way, you still have to do it." Some fans interpreted the remark as a dig at Jung and criticized Koo online.

Samsung Lions outfielder Koo Ja-wook rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning of a KBO game against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park on Friday. [Yonhap]

Jung said he understood where Koo was coming from. "If a stranger had said that, I might have felt bad, but Ja-wook and I joke around a lot and eat together all the time," he said. "I understand completely." He added that Koo was also taken aback by the backlash. "Ja-wook said he was surprised and that he would be more careful going forward. These days, even a single word can become a big issue, so I think this will be a good reminder for both of us."

Koo also addressed reporters Saturday, saying he had spoken with Jung and cleared the air. "I was just answering a question, but I'm sorry if it came across badly," Koo said. "Today I'm going to stick right by Su-bin's side."

Jung, nicknamed the "Jamsil Idol," has spent 17 years at Jamsil Baseball Stadium and holds deep memories of the venue.

"The moment I first stepped onto the Jamsil grass is what I remember most," he said. "I also want to hold onto the memory of the last time I walk on that grass this season for a long time."

At the Futures All-Star Game on Friday, Kia Tigers pitcher Eom Jun-hyeon won the best performance award after showing off "gyaru" makeup and a para para dance routine.

Asked whether he felt his concept had been stolen, Jung laughed it off. "Eom Jun-hyeon did a really great job," he said. "I think I'm actually the worse dancer, but I'll give it my best today."

mokiya@heraldcorp.com