Some changes were made in South Korea’s World Baseball Classic roster, with Kang currently facing indictment for his drunk-driving incident in his home country, which happened last month, it has been announced today that current Nexen Heroes shortstop, Kim Ha-seong, 21 years of age, will replace Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Kang Jung-ho (also a former Nexen Heroes shortstop) at the position. This will be Kim Ha-seong’s first time participating in the World Baseball Classic event, with this, he will also be the youngest member in the national team.

Kim Ha-seong finished his 2016 regular season campaign with the Heroes batting .281/.361/.477 with 20 homeruns and 84 RBI in 144 games played (599 plate appearances, to go along with 526 at-bats) in the year, his third season in the league. In addition to Kim, NC Dinos catcher Kim Tae-goon will also be replacing Busan Lotte Giants catcher Kang Min-ho in the roster, via report link above.