'206-Hit Pace' Choi Won-jun: "Actually, 200 hits was a dream goal since my debut" [HOT Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

KT Wiz's Choi Won-jun (29) is challenging for 200 hits this season.

Having hit 116 hits in 79 games (his personal record) during the first half, if he maintains this pace (1.47 hits per game), arithmetic calculation suggests a final total of 206 hits is possible. He could become only the third player in history to reach this milestone, following Seo Geon-chang's (39, then Nexen) 201 hits in 2014 and Reyes' (32, Lotte) 202 hits that same year.

Meeting Choi Won-jun at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 9th, he revealed, "Reaching 200 hits has been a dream goal since my professional debut."

[Choi Won-jun HOT Interview]

① Dominating batting leader: "People keep talking about 'mental strength'... I wanted to show what kind of results I can achieve if they believe in me"

② 'Princess' Choi Won-jun, when asked "Are you usually talkative?" → Unexpected reply returned

③ '206-Hit Pace' Choi Won-jun: "Actually, 200 hits was a dream goal since my debut"

Continued in Part 2.

- Let's talk about your 'goal'. What target did you set for this season, your first after moving via FA?

▶ I tend not to set detailed plans because once a goal is planned, it feels like being chased and becomes stressful. However, since last year was my worst performance and KT reached out to bring me here, I definitely wanted to achieve a .300 batting average with 150 hits and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) around 0.8.

- Currently, you're exceeding expectations (batting average .363, 116 hits, OPS 0.950). You lead in batting average and on-base percentage (.441), rank second in hits, and fourth in runs scored (68), making a quadruple crown possible. Is there any specific title you particularly want to win?

▶ Actually, I love scoring the most. Because teams can only score when players reach home plate, and it also helps increase other batters' RBIs. Baseball is ultimately a sport where you must cross home plate to win. So I've always considered scoring as the most important aspect while playing baseball. (In runs scored, Choi Won-jun trails just one run behind the joint leaders: LG's Austin, Hanwha's Peraza, and KIA's Kim Do-young with 69 each.) But regardless of which category you lead in, I wonder if it truly matters much. Since achieving these things isn't something I can force through desire or awareness alone, I believe that if I just focus on doing my part, awards may come as fate intends.

- During your Seoul High School days, you received the 'BIC (Baek Incheon) .412 Award' and the 'Lee Young-min Batting Award', leading to being selected 3rd overall in the second round of the 2016 Rookie Draft. What was your goal as a professional player at debut?

▶ When I first joined the team, my biggest dream was to hit 200 hits in one season. Seeing (Seo) Geon-chang achieve 200 hits despite playing fewer games (128) in 2014 made me think I should try doing it someday too, so I entered the league with that dream.

- It seems like this season has brought a great opportunity for you.

▶ I really want to do it, definitely want to achieve it, and think it would be amazing if I could. But as I mentioned earlier, it's not something within my direct control... If I continue working hard consistently like now, I believe I'll be able to look back afterward and say, 'Ah, I achieved it.'

- Let's discuss the team. KT finished the first half in third place, showing a slightly slower pace compared to the early season. How is the atmosphere?

▶ It feels exactly like during our strong start. There are so many experienced players who serve as pillars keeping the mood stable. Baseball isn't something where you can keep winning just because you want to... We're still pushing forward without giving up on being number one, and since there are many games left, we're preparing steadily without wavering.

- Speaking of the more distant future, how long do you hope to continue your playing career?

▶ Everyone can dream, so I'd like to play longer than anyone else... (laughs) That's my biggest goal, but realistically it might be impossible. So I've always thought, 'I hope I can play until I'm 40.'

- Is there any record you definitely want to achieve during your remaining professional career?

▶ When I first entered the pros at age 20, I had the thought, 'I want to retire after playing 2,000 games and getting 2,000 hits.' I'm not sure if it's possible, but that is my goal. (Current record: 951 games, 883 hits)

- Finally, how would you like to be remembered as 'Choi Won-jun' in the future?

▶ I hope fans remember me as a player who was always diligent and gave his best effort... Yes, that's what I'd like to be remembered for.

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*This content was translated by AI.