*This content was translated by AI.
Hanwha Eagles' power hitter, the team's beloved captain Heo In-seo (23), has been crowned 'Mr. All-Star (MVP)'—the star among stars—at his first-ever All-Star Game appearance. Coincidentally, he reached this pinnacle on his 23rd birthday, adding even more joy to the moment.
Heo In-seo started as the eighth batter and catcher for the Nanum All-Stars in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO All-Star Game held at Seoul Jamsil Stadium on the 11th. He delivered an impressive performance with 5 at-bats, 4 hits, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored. Thanks to Heo In-seo's outstanding play, the Nanum All-Stars secured a decisive 10-2 victory.
Heo In-seo showed strong form from the early innings. In the bottom of the second inning during his first at-bat, he hit a line drive single to center field. He completed a multi-hit game with a single to left field in the bottom of the fourth. Continuing his momentum as the team led 2-0, he delivered a sacrifice fly to left field in the bottom of the sixth with no outs and runners on first and second bases, finishing with three hits. Additionally, he scored after consecutive singles by Song Chan-ui and Lee Do-yoon brought him home.
That wasn't the end. Heo In-seo added another hit in the bottom of the seventh to complete a four-hit game. He stepped up to the plate once more in the bottom of the eighth, aiming for a five-hit performance, but unfortunately fell short.
In the media vote, Heo In-seo received 13 out of 26 total votes, edging out his teammate Moon Hyun-bin, who garnered 10 votes, by a margin of three votes to claim the MVP honor. Although Moon Hyun-bin also had an excellent game with four hits (including one triple), one RBI, and three runs scored, Heo In-seo was ultimately selected as the star among stars. As Mr. All-Star, Heo In-seo received prize money of 20 million won, a trophy, and gifts including a massage chair and a cosmetics set.
In an interview with reporters after the game, Heo In-seo said, "It was my first time participating in the All-Star Game, so I'm truly happy to receive such a big award. Mr. All-Star was never something I had imagined for myself, so receiving it makes me even happier."
Continuing on the competition for MVP with Moon Hyun-bin, he said, "(Moon) Hyun-bin and I had the same number of hits throughout the game, so we talked in the dugout. I didn't say anything like that, but Hyun-bin told me that when I came out, he wished I hadn't gotten any more hits. (Laughs) Actually, even if Hyun-bin had won, I would have been happy too." He added, "I didn't expect Hyun-bin to hit a triple in his final at-bat. I really thought he was the one who deserved it. I thought he would take home the MVP award, but thanks to the many votes from the media, I'm grateful that I ended up receiving it."
When asked about the prize money, he showed his filial side by saying, "I plan to give all of the prize money to my parents." Heo In-seo further explained, "After giving it to them, I intend to tell them that they can give me back only as much allowance as they wish. Since I'll be receiving allowance anyway, I'd like to take this opportunity to understand their feelings better," which brought laughter from those around him.
When asked about the expected amount, he added, "It's such a large sum that I can't predict how much my parents will return." Regarding the massage chair, he said, "We'll keep it at home and use it together as a family."
He also expressed his feelings toward his teammates. Heo In-seo shared sincerely, "I'm not a player with such a high salary (this year's salary is 36 million won), but I should still buy coffee for everyone to share and do more good deeds."
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*This content was translated by AI.
