Doosan vs. Kiwoom
Overview
The matchup between the Doosan Bears and the Kiwoom Heroes is one of the most intense rivalries in the KBO League, particularly from the late 2010s to the early 2020s, when they clashed multiple times in the Korean Series and playoffs, reshaping the league's landscape. Although the two teams have different founding backgrounds and operational philosophies, frequent postseason meetings and passionate fan support have naturally forged a strong rivalry. This article comprehensively covers the historical matchups, all-time records, key player performances, and recent trends between the two teams.
Main Content
Historical Background
The Doosan Bears were founded in 1982 as the OB Bears and were acquired by the Doosan Group in 1999, establishing themselves as a traditional prestigious club. In contrast, the Kiwoom Heroes were founded in 2008 after the dissolution of the Hyundai Unicorns, making them a relatively young club; they adopted their current name in 2019 when Kiwoom Securities became the main sponsor. Both teams are based in the Seoul Capital Area, using Jamsil (Doosan) and Gocheok (Kiwoom) as their home stadiums.
All-Time Matchup Records
As of the end of the 2024 season, the Doosan Bears hold a slight edge in the all-time regular season head-to-head record. Since 2008, over approximately 400 games, Doosan has maintained a winning percentage above .500. In particular, from 2019 to 2023, Doosan posted an overwhelming record of around 60 wins and 40 losses against Kiwoom, strengthening their image as a 'Kiwoom killer.' However, Kiwoom successfully counterattacked with series sweeps in parts of 2022 and 2024.
Postseason Matchups
The biggest highlights come from the postseason. The two teams faced off in the 2019 Korean Series, where Doosan won 4-0 in a sweep. In the 2020 playoffs, Doosan once again defeated Kiwoom to advance to the Korean Series. In the 2022 semi-playoffs, Kiwoom avenged their losses by eliminating Doosan with a 3-2 series win, considered one of the most memorable victories for Kiwoom fans. In the 2023 playoffs, Doosan won again, advancing to the Korean Series for the first time in four years.
Key Players and Records
- Doosan Bears: Kim Jae-hwan (home runs, RBIs), Heo Gyeong-min (defense, batting average), and Gwak Bin (starting pitcher) have shown strong performances against Kiwoom. Notably, Kim Jae-hwan has a career batting average of .320 with 15 home runs against Kiwoom.
- Kiwoom Heroes: Lee Jung-hoo (active until 2023, now with the San Francisco Giants) and Kim Ha-seong (until 2020, now with the San Diego Padres) stood out in games against Doosan. Lee Jung-hoo recorded a .400 batting average against Doosan in 2022. Currently, Song Seong-moon and Kim Hye-seong lead the core lineup.
- Pitching Duels: The matchups between Doosan's ace Gwak Bin and Kiwoom's Ahn Woo-jin (injured during the 2024 season) drew significant fan attention. In an August 2023 game, the two pitchers faced off with 7 scoreless innings each, resulting in a 0-0 tie.
Rivalry and Fan Culture
The rivalry between the two teams is often called the 'Jamsil Rivalry' or 'Capital Area Showdown,' and the stadium atmosphere is highly passionate. Doosan fans, centered around the 'Bears Friends' cheering squad, and Kiwoom fans, through the 'Heroes Supporters,' engage in fierce cheering battles. In particular, a September 2021 game at Jamsil drew 25,000 spectators, setting a record sellout. On social media, hashtags like 'Doosan is Kiwoom's natural enemy' and 'Kiwoom's revenge battle against Doosan' trend around game results.
Recent Trends
As of the 2024-2025 season, both teams are undergoing rebuilding and roster reinforcement. Doosan held an advantage with 6 wins and 4 losses against Kiwoom in the latter half of the 2024 season, but during the 2025 spring camp, Kiwoom focused on signing foreign pitchers and developing prospects to boost their strength. In the first matchup of April 2025, Kiwoom took a 2-1 series lead, attempting to shift the momentum. Additionally, in the 2025 All-Star Game, players from both teams started side by side, drawing fan attention. Future matchups between the two teams are expected to be a key variable in the race for postseason berths.
Related Topics
- [[KBO League]]
- [[Doosan Bears]]
- [[Kiwoom Heroes]]
- [[Korean Series]]
- [[Jamsil Baseball Stadium]]
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