* Translated by AI

Starnews

[Official] Kiwoom Heroes signs non-FA multi-year deal with Seo Geon-chang, the '200-hit legend,' for up to 600 million won over two years! They will be together through the 2028 season.

Updated:

Park Sujin

*This content was translated by AI.

The KT Wiz vs. Kiwoom Heroes exhibition game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League was held on the 19th at Suwon KT Wiz Park. After hitting a go-ahead, two-run double with no outs in the bottom of the eighth inning with runners on first and third, Kiwoom's Seo Geon-chang is seen catching his breath. /Photo=Senior reporter Kim Jin-kyung kim.jinkyung@
The KT Wiz vs. Kiwoom Heroes exhibition game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League was held on the 19th at Suwon KT Wiz Park. After hitting a go-ahead, two-run double with no outs in the bottom of the eighth inning with runners on first and third, Kiwoom's Seo Geon-chang is seen catching his breath. /Photo=Senior reporter Kim Jin-kyung kim.jinkyung@
/Photo=Kiwoom Heroes
/Photo=Kiwoom Heroes

Ahead of this season, the Kiwoom Heroes signed a non-FA multi-year contract with veteran infielder Seo Geon-chang (37), who has returned to his original team, ensuring they will remain together through the 2028 season.

On the 20th, the Kiwoom Heroes officially announced at their headquarters in Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome that they have signed a two-year non-FA multi-year contract with Seo Geon-chang, extending through the 2028 season, with a total value of up to 600 million won (500 million won in base salary and 100 million won in options).

After being released by the KIA Tigers and wearing the Kiwoom uniform again ahead of this season on a one-year contract worth 120 million won, Seo Geon-chang will now be able to spend the twilight of his career stably with his original team through this multi-year deal. The club explained the background of the contract, stating, "We proposed this contract after highly evaluating Seo Geon-chang's dedication as a veteran, his diligence, and his responsible attitude since joining the team."

Seo Geon-chang, who graduated from Gwangju Jeil High School and debuted in the KBO League in 2008, truly blossomed when he joined the Heroes in 2012. In his first year with the team, he recorded 115 hits, 39 stolen bases, and a batting average of 0.266, surprising the league by simultaneously winning the Rookie of the Year Award and the Gold Glove Award at second base.

Notably, in 2014, he made history in the KBO League. He became the first player in league history to surpass the 200th-hit mark in a single season (finishing with 201 hits), and went on to win the Regular Season MVP. After stints with the LG Twins and KIA Tigers, Seo Geon-chang has returned to Kiwoom, a team akin to his hometown, ahead of this season, demonstrating the dignity of a veteran.

The Kiwoom Heroes expressed high expectations for this contract. The club stated, "We are delighted to be able to continue working with Seo Geon-chang, who led the Heroes during their golden era," and added, "We expect him to use his rich experience to help younger players grow and contribute significantly to the team's development."

Seo Geon-chang also conveyed his gratitude toward the club along with a sense of heavy responsibility. Shortly after signing the contract, Seo said, "I am grateful to the club that needed me and made such a good offer," and shared his thoughts, "I am happy to be able to stay with the club for a longer period as a member of the team, and I feel a corresponding sense of responsibility."

He further pledged, "Since I am well aware of the role expected of me by the team, I will do my best to be a good role model for the younger players."

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*This content was translated by AI.

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