Kim Woo-bin to lead underdog baseball team in new drama 'Gift'

Actor Kim Woo-bin is taking his talents to the diamond. He is set to star as a former professional baseball pitching coach turned manager in a new sports drama about leading the lowest-ranked high school baseball team in the country.

Kim has confirmed his casting in the new tvN drama 'Gift,' which is scheduled to premiere in the second half of 2026.

'Gift' tells the story of a former professional pitching coach who, after an unexpected accident, gains the unique ability to recognize hidden baseball talent in others. He subsequently takes charge of the nation's worst-ranked high school baseball team.

Kim will play Jung Min-yong, a former professional pitching coach. Once a baseball expert dreaming of the professional stage, he acquires a new ability following an unforeseen accident and chooses to lead a bottom-tier team that no one notices, rather than pursuing flashy success.

Using his special insight to see through the potential of his players, Jung embarks on a mission to transform a team standing on the brink of collapse. Beyond simply scouting talent, the core narrative focuses on the process of instilling hope in players who have grown accustomed to frustration and giving up.

As a growth-oriented sports drama, 'Gift' explores the constant tension between talent and effort. Moving beyond mere competition, the series depicts how people who have faced failure rise again and discover each other's potential.

Based on the Kakao Webtoon of the same name, the series will showcase Kim's versatility as he portrays Jung, a manager who balances cold analytical skills with warm humanity.

Attention is focused on how Kim, who has demonstrated deep character depth across various genres, will navigate the growth narrative of this baseball story.

With a team starting from the absolute bottom, expectations are high for the message of hope and inspiration 'Gift' will deliver to viewers.