# Hanwha Eagles leadership restructuring

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hanwha-eagles-leadership-restructuring
> Updated: 2026-10-16T04:22:10.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

The Hanwha Eagles announced the departure of manager Kim Kyung-moon and General Manager Son Hyuk following the expiration of their contracts. Kim, who led the team to a Korean Series runner-up finish in 2025, apologized to fans for the team’s ninth-place finish during a season impacted by injuries and poor pitching performance.

In response to this leadership change, the club appointed Ryu Ji-hyun, a former star shortstop and national team manager, as the team’s 15th manager. The organization also named Seok Jang-hyun, a career employee who joined the club in 2003, as the new general manager. This appointment marks the first time a staff member has been promoted to the role in the team’s history. Additionally, the club decided not to renew the contracts of several coaches from the previous regime.

On October 16, Ryu Ji-hyun was officially inaugurated as manager during a ceremony at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park. Ryu, who previously managed the LG Twins and led the South Korean national team to a gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games, signed a three-year contract worth 2 billion won. In his inaugural address, Ryu emphasized a long-term vision, stating that the team’s journey toward 2027 begins immediately. He identified the need to stabilize the pitching staff—including starters, middle relief, and closers—and to optimize player positions while guiding the young roster toward a unified direction. Ryu intends to integrate advanced data analysis and global perspectives to build a sustainable, competitive squad.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-16: Ryu Ji-hyun inaugurated as new manager of Hanwha Eagles

Ryu Ji-hyun has been inaugurated as the 15th manager of the Hanwha Eagles, signing a three-year deal to lead the team's rebuilding process and stabilize its pitching and roster management.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ryu-ji-hyun-inaugurated-as-new-manager-of-hanwha-eagles

### 2026-10-12: Hanwha Eagles appoint Ryu Ji-hyun as manager and Seok Jang-hyun as GM

The Hanwha Eagles have appointed Ryu Ji-hyun as manager and Seok Jang-hyun as general manager, signaling a shift toward internal front-office promotions and a complete coaching staff overhaul.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanwha-eagles-appoint-ryu-ji-hyun-as-manager-and-seok-jang-hyun-as-gm

### 2026-10-10: Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon to depart club

Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon and GM Son Hyuk will leave the club following contract expirations after the team finished 9th this season.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanwha-eagles-manager-kim-kyung-moon-to-depart-club

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Cite as: Hanwha Eagles leadership restructuring. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hanwha-eagles-leadership-restructuring
