Park Jun-hyun's "surprise" advice to Ha Hyun-seung, the "younger brother he frequently calls": "Wouldn't it be better to do well in the KBO League first and then go to the U.S.?"

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid intense interest from Major League Baseball (MLB) teams and being hailed as the top pick in the upcoming September KBO League Rookie Draft, Busan High School's two-way prospect Ha Hyun-seung (18) received meaningful advice from Kiwoom Heroes' "next-generation ace" Park Jun-hyun (19). As close younger brothers who played together on the 2025 Youth National Team, they frequently stay in touch, and Park recently revealed a portion of his sincere counsel.

On the 11th, Park Jun-hyun, attending the All-Star Game held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, surprised reporters by sharing an anecdote about a recent phone call with Ha Hyun-seung, his close junior and frequent communication partner.

According to Park, Ha Hyun-seung calls at least once a week to check on him and often seeks his advice. In their most recent conversation, Ha reportedly expressed concerns about his future career path and specifically asked, "What is the team atmosphere like at Kiwoom Heroes?" seeking detailed insights into the domestic KBO League environment.

Currently, Ha Hyun-seung received a shocking contract offer of $3 million (approximately 4.5 billion won) from the prestigious New York Yankees but chose to decline it and participate in the KBO Draft, surprising the baseball world. Facing the choice between a substantial financial offer and an immediate move to the U.S., Park Jun-hyun offered his senior's heartfelt and realistic advice to his younger brother who had struggled with this decision.

Park reportedly told Ha Hyun-seung, "I heard you received a significant offer of $3 million, but beyond money, what matters most is your dream, as well as the goals and plans you have set." He further added, "If you have a clear plan, wouldn't it be better to first excel on the KBO stage before heading to the U.S.?" directly stating that he advised Ha to firmly establish his skills domestically before boldly challenging Major League Baseball.

Indeed, Ha Hyun-seung, who is widely expected to join Kiwoom Heroes with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 Rookie Draft scheduled for September, has already attracted intense attention. Recently, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) hinted at a progressive special utilization strategy by referencing Shohei Ohtani (32, Los Angeles Dodgers) when discussing the possibility of Ha attempting a two-way role (pitcher and hitter). He stated, "If a player has the will and talent, I personally find it very positive," sparking widespread discussion.

Park Jun-hyun's message is interpreted as his sincere wish for his junior to first settle on the Korean stage, become a definitive ace and "Korean Ohtani," and then challenge larger stages under better conditions and a more stable environment.

As Ha Hyun-seung makes the momentous decision to stay in Korea instead of going directly overseas and prepares to land in the KBO League, all eyes are on whether he will grow into a top-tier star under Park Jun-hyun's heartfelt advice and the club's solid support.

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*This content was translated by AI.