Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung praised South Korean veteran pitcher Noh Kyung-eun on Monday for his impressive performance in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), saying it inspired many people not to give up because of their age.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Noh pitched two scoreless innings in the crucial 7-2 win over Australia on March 9, helping South Korea advance to the WBC quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years. South Korea was later eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Dominican Republic on Friday.

"As a 42-year-old veteran pitcher, Noh Kyung-eun left a deep impression," Lee wrote on the social media platform X.

Lee said Noh's pitching marked a turning point at a time when South Korea's chances of advancing to the quarterfinals were below 5 percent, helping the national team dramatically move on to the next round.

"What moved many people most was that he is a veteran who never gave up and continued to train himself despite being 42 years old," Lee said. "His performance conveyed the message of not giving up, even if it feels like time has run out."

Lee said that Noh's challenge and courage would inspire hope among people who feel discouraged or are considering giving up, saying the nation will also overcome obstacles at home and abroad and move forward.