Batting title won with fierce determination: "They keep talking about 'mental'... I wanted to show what kind of results I can deliver if you believe in me" [Choi Won-joon HOT Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

There is no one hotter than KT Wiz's Choi Won-joon (29) in the first half of the 2026 KBO League season.

Entering his 11th professional season, Choi Won-joon is leading the league in batting average (.363) and on-base percentage (.441), while ranking second in hits (116) and fourth in runs scored (68). Originally selected third overall in the second round of the 2016 KBO Draft by the KIA Tigers, Choi had never achieved a .300 batting average with enough plate appearances to qualify for the title. However, after gaining free agent status following last season and signing a four-year, 4.8 billion won deal to move from NC Dinos to KT, he has finally blossomed into his full hitting potential.

We met Choi Won-joon on the final day of the first half on July 9 at Suwon KT Wiz Park. This interview will be serialized in three parts covering his present, past, and future.

- What do you consider the secret to your performance this season?

▶ First of all, I think becoming a free agent helped me mature emotionally, and the change in environment has had a significant impact.

- So joining KT was helpful?

▶ Even though I performed poorly last year (126 games, .242 batting average), the fact that KT recognized my value and needed me gave me great strength. Additionally, Head Coach Lee Kang-cheol (60·KT) designated me as the leadoff hitter from spring training onward and made it clear he would not remove me from that spot, which relieved much of the mental pressure I used to feel.

- Were there any technical changes?

▶ Since joining KT, coaches Yoo Han-jun and Kim Kang have greatly acknowledged my efforts and helped fill in my weaknesses, which led me to develop a better mechanism. Previously, I felt strong pressure to produce results, but with this supportive environment, I feel I am no longer being pushed around by pitchers as much.

- Since it was a free agent move, your mindset must have been different.

▶ Honestly, I just wanted to show what I can do. I had previously lost out due to circumstances, but I wanted to prove that I am more than that and demonstrate how much performance I can deliver if there is belief in me and consistent playing time. That was the main reason I prepared so fiercely.

- After declaring free agency last year, why did you ultimately choose KT?

▶ As I mentioned earlier, I felt that KT recognized my value most and needed me the most. Also, since my in-laws live in Suwon, that was a factor as well. Additionally, Coach Lee Kang-cheol once served as a coach when I played for the national team (2017 APBC·Asia Pacific Baseball Championship), so I also thought it would be great to work with him someday.

- So now that you've joined, what kind of team is KT?

▶ There are many excellent senior players who help lead the team atmosphere well, and the coaching staff treats me comfortably, which I appreciate.

- If there's anyone you're especially grateful to for helping you adapt to the new team?

▶ Many seniors welcomed me warmly, which was wonderful. In particular, Kwon Dong-jin (28), who is younger than me, has been very helpful by supporting me from beside me.

- During your time at Seoul High School, you were recognized as a top prospect after winning awards like the 'BIC (BaekIncheon) .412 Award' and the 'Lee Young-min Batting Award.' However, since turning professional, your results have often fallen short of expectations. What do you think was the reason?

▶ Honestly, I heard a lot about "mental" issues repeatedly. In reality, I couldn't play my own baseball freely due to environmental constraints. I had no choice but to follow what the coaching staff instructed, and my batting stance was changed multiple times against my will. However, when Matt Williams (61·former KIA·2020–2021) became manager, he immediately told me, "Why are you playing baseball according to what coaches and managers want? You have good tools. Whether I use you or not is my decision; just show me your own style of play." From that moment on, I think I finally opened my eyes. (Choi Won-joon did not meet the minimum plate appearance requirement in 2020 under manager Williams but posted a .326 batting average; in 2021, he recorded a .295 average with 174 hits.)

- Then last July, you were traded from KIA to NC Dinos. How did you feel at that time?

▶ I spent ten years in Gwangju and received a lot of love and expectations, so I kept thinking I had only brought disappointment in return. At the same time, I also felt it was a good opportunity to get back on my feet.

- Although you were highly anticipated when entering professional baseball, what advice would you give to younger players who are struggling?

▶ I hope they don't let circumstances defeat them. If you were drafted high in the draft, it means scouts universally see you as a standout player. You should believe that you have something special and trust your abilities without being swayed by others. For me, that was difficult. But if you can stay steady and maintain your own style, I believe you will definitely shine.

[Choi Won-joon HOT Interview] To be continued in Part 2.

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*This content was translated by AI.