Nagoya: SSG Landers left-hander pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun underwent a shoulder operation in Japan on Friday, his Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club announced, with the 37-year-old now staring at a lengthy rehab.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Landers said Kim had the procedure at a hospital in Nagoya and will stay in Japan for about a month to recover before returning home to continue his rehab. The Landers previously said Kim will be sidelined for at least six months.

Kim first complained of shoulder pains during spring training in Florida in February and doctors discovered bone spurs. Kim at first opted for rehab before deciding to go under the knife.

Shoulder operations can spell the end of a pitcher's career, especially for those in their late 30s like Kim. But the pitcher has said he will only focus on returning to full health and on pitching at least one more season in the KBO.

Kim, the 2008 regular-season MVP, is one of the most successful starting pitchers in league history. He ranks third on the all-time list with 180 wins and 2,020 strikeouts, and is fourth overall with 2,321 2/3 innings. He has helped the Landers franchise to five Korean Series titles.

In 2025, Kim struggled to a career-worst 5.00 ERA over 144 innings in 28 starts, though he did win 10 games.

"I've had a successful surgery thanks to all the love and support from my fans," Kim said in a message delivered by the Landers. "As soon as I woke up from anesthesia, the first words I wanted to say were, 'I am OK.' For now, I will be rehabbing and will be cheering on my team. I can't wait to see my fans from the mound again."