'I wondered if I was the one who ended the Samsung dynasty': Koo Ja-wook's handwritten letter moves fans

Samsung Lions captain Koo Ja-wook, who claimed the Korean Series MVP award alongside his first career Korean Series championship ring, moved fans with a handwritten letter posted on social media.

Koo posted the handwritten letter on his Instagram account Tuesday, writing, "It has been a very long time since I last wrote a letter to the fans. I was worried that if not now, I might never write one again, so I picked up a pen without delay."

"Since yesterday morning, I feel like I am living in a dream I cannot wake up from," Koo wrote. "Over the past decade or so, three chances came my way. The first left me with regret, and the second filled me with frustration at myself. So this time, I played every game with the resolve that even if I got injured again, I would step on first base with my own two feet."

"Honestly, thinking about next season, I was scared of getting hurt again," he wrote. "But knowing the support of Samsung Lions fans and the desperate desire of my teammates, I was able to overcome that fear. I thought this might be my last chance to wear this blue uniform, and I wanted more than anything to give the fans who cheered so passionately the gift of a championship."

He also wrote that he was "truly sorry" to the fans. "I am sorry for making you wait 12 years to hand you this one championship trophy," he said.

"I know the unflattering nickname that has been attached to me," Koo went on. "There were times when I thought of myself that way too. There were moments when I felt hurt and sad, wondering whether I might be the reason the Samsung dynasty came to an end."

"From Sunday onward, I feel like I can let go of that feeling a little, and I am so happy," he added. "I wonder if there has ever been a day in my life when I felt this deeply moved. No matter how hard I think about it, I don't believe there has."

"This is the day I have been most deeply moved in my entire life," Koo wrote. "I am sincerely grateful — and continue to be grateful — that you helped fill the most brilliant page of my life alongside me."

Koo was voted series MVP by the press corps after Samsung defeated kt wiz 12-1 in Game 5 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korean Series on Sunday at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu, clinching the title with a 4-1 series record.

Even in the clinching Game 5, Koo was the player who seized the momentum, going 3-for-5 with one RBI and two runs scored.

Throughout the Korean Series, Koo made his presence felt as the team's clutch performer. He recorded at least one hit in every game from Game 1 through Game 5, and he also hit a home run in Game 1 in Suwon on Thursday.

Koo's final series line across five games was a .500 batting average (10-for-20), one home run, six RBIs, five runs scored and three walks.

Koo had injured his hamstring late in the regular season, leaving his postseason availability in doubt.

He returned as a designated hitter starting from the playoff series against the KIA Tigers, and in the Korean Series he showed fighting spirit on the basepaths as well, lifting the morale of both his teammates and the fans.