Former Baseball Star Hwang Jae-gyun Embraces Post-Retirement Life with Humor and New Opportunities

Former baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun humorously shared his post-retirement life on the recent episode of MBC's 'The Manager'.

On the October 31st broadcast, Hwang introduced himself with a laugh, saying, "Three weeks ago, I was a baseball player, now I'm unemployed."

Discussing his new daily routine, he joked, "I wake up not knowing what to do. As a player, I couldn't even take medicine due to doping tests, but now I got an IV for a cold and asked for all the good stuff. I can even take hangover cures, so I drink more." The show's hosts laughed, noting, "He doesn't seem to miss retirement at all."

Hwang's apartment with a view of the Han River was revealed, filled with figures, comics, game consoles, and alcohol—a dream for many men. A child's toy was spotted, to which Hwang quickly responded, "It's my nephew's."

Looking out at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Hwang shared his old baseball gear on a second-hand app under the nickname 'Machine Brother', bringing laughter. He gifted his worn baseball shoes and a signed bat to an amateur player.

Regarding his retirement, Hwang candidly shared, "I wanted to leave while being applauded. I wasn't achieving the results I wanted compared to when I was younger. I thought, 'Is it time to quit? Then let's finish in the first team.' I have regrets and lingering feelings."

Hwang's manager revealed, "He was invited to a special episode of 'Radio Star' for people starting new lives. Disney+ also reached out for a casting." Hwang eagerly responded, "I'll do everything. I'm unemployed now. Just say yes to everything."

Looking ahead, Hwang expressed interest in becoming a baseball commentator, starting a clothing brand, and pursuing broadcasting. He admitted, "I haven't thought about coaching. I've played baseball my whole life, and coaching might stress me out. I'd wonder, 'Why can't they do that?'" When Lee Young-ja commented that coaching doesn't pay well, Hwang humorously agreed, "That's the biggest reason."

Meanwhile, Hwang met with close friends Ryu Hyun-jin, Yang Eui-ji, and Kim Hyun-soo. When asked if he misses baseball, he replied, "I do feel a bit of regret. Watching you guys play might make me feel a bit of regret." Kim Hyun-soo teased, "I thought you'd play the longest among us, but you retired. It's easier to decide when you're alone."

Kim also teased Hwang, who recently got an IV, saying, "You're alone anyway. Just rest." Ryu Hyun-jin added humorously, "Living alone is the most dangerous."

Hwang Jae-gyun married T-ara's Jiyeon in December 2022 but divorced after two years.

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia. eun@tenasia.co.kr