Kim Ha-seong honored to represent MLB on home soil

Playing as a major leaguer in his native country is meaningful enough for Kim Ha-seong, the Korean shortstop for the San Diego Padres.

And to do so in his old stomping ground in Seoul, Gocheok Sky Dome, makes the occasion extra special for the 28-year-old.

The Padres will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a two-game Seoul Series, Wednesday and Thursday. These will be the first Major League Baseball (MLB) games to be played in South Korea.

“It’s an honor for me to play in the first MLB games in Korea. And I think other Asian players that came before me paved the way,” Kim said at a press conference Saturday at the dome. Kim spent the first seven years of his professional career with the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), and Gocheok was the team’s home park for the last five of those seasons.

“I think an occasion like this will allow more Asian players to dream of playing in the majors,” Kim added. “I hope more of them will challenge themselves.”

Kim was an All-Star shortstop in the KBO known more for his bat than his defense. In MLB, though, he has transformed himself into one of the very best. It culminated in his Gold Glove win at the utility position last year.

Kim logged time at second base, shortstop and third base last year but will be the primary shortstop this year.

“I’ve played shortstop since I was a kid and I was a full-time shortstop in 2022,” Kim said, referring to the season in which he played 131 games at shortstop. “I feel comfortable there. And if I keep playing well, I think it will inspire young Asian infielders.”

Kim has given his teammates a crash course on the Korean language and culture before their trip. He said many of them were willing to learn more about his country, and added he was happy to see his teammates enjoy themselves in his home country.

“As a Korean, it made me feel proud,” Kim said. “Even though we’ll only be here for a short time and we’ll have to focus on games, I hope the guys will get to see Korea and learn more about it.”

Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol, front row second from right, watches a batting demonstration by Kim Ha-seong of the San Diego Padres during the Padres’ youth baseball clinic at a park in Seoul, Saturday.