"I was 70% set on going to the U.S..." KBO's '149km/h left-hander' Park Geun-seo of Seoul Design High, dreams of facing Yushin High's Lee Seung-won, a top-1R competitor [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Geun-seo (18, Seoul Design High), a left-handed pitcher who throws a fastball clocking up to 149 km/h, had his heart set on going to the United States until just before the Cheongryonggi Cup. MLB scouts pinned their hopes on this promising young left-hander with a prominent growth trajectory and a powerful fastball. However, after much deliberation, Park decided to prove himself first in the KBO League.

Park is a left-handed pitcher who graduated from Baengma Middle School and Hong-eun Middle School in Gyeonggi, then honed his skills at Chungam High School before blossoming at Seoul Design High. His greatest asset is his fastball, which reaches speeds of up to 149 km/h, generated from his sturdy physique measuring 188 cm in height and 95 kg in weight according to the Korea Baseball & Softball Association (KBSA).

After undergoing MCL surgery on his left elbow as a freshman, he set a goal to prove his worth by his senior year. Ahead of the final national tournament, the Bonghwangdaegi Cup, he recorded 3 wins with no losses in 10 games this season, posting an ERA of 2.50. Over 35⅔ innings, he allowed only 10 walks and hit-by-pitches while striking out 54 batters, with a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.11. At the 4th High School-College All-Star Game held last June, he was named the tournament MVP after recording four strikeouts in two innings. He was subsequently selected for the youth national team and will challenge for the Asian title in September.

Recently meeting with StarNews at Seoul Design High, Park Geun-seo shared his recent experiences: "After receiving the college all-star game MVP award, many teachers at my school took notice of me and even asked for autographs. I was grateful for that attention."

He continued, "Originally, almost no one recognized me outside the baseball stadium. But after being selected for the youth national team, when I went to a local barbershop, the person cutting my hair said they saw me on social media. They love baseball and mentioned seeing the banner hung at my school while commuting toward Mapo. It seems people are gradually starting to recognize me," he smiled.

Interest did not remain limited to his school and neighborhood. Park is a promising prospect expected to be selected in the top tier of the first round at the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft, scheduled for September. Until this year, he was virtually unknown, so he had not even completed the Level 1 Registration required for international amateur contracts. As a result, he could only sign a contract next January, yet MLB scouts have consistently shown interest in Park's potential.

Park stated, "At that time, I was about 70% inclined toward going to the U.S. My parents wished for me to go wherever I wanted, and I had many conversations with friends who were also considering moving to the U.S." He added, "However, during the Cheongryonggi Cup, I developed a throat condition that prevented me from playing in many games. I felt significant shortcomings, and now my desire to succeed in Korea first before heading to the U.S. has grown much stronger," revealing his honest feelings.

The decision to prioritize improving his overall pitching completeness over mere velocity stems from the same logic. During his senior season, Park changed his curveball, which previously broke sideways, into a form that drops from top to bottom. He also increased the drop on his changeup and is now practicing a cutter that breaks sharply but briefly, replacing his existing slider.

Park explained, "I feel I've improved much more than I thought while recently pitching in the bullpen. Catchers have definitely noticed the difference, and through someone who measures our data with Trackman once a month, we confirmed that the metrics for my curveball and changeup have completely changed, which surprised everyone."

Scouts evaluate Park Geun-seo as a promising young pitcher with the potential to throw up to 155 km/h. Like his role model in self-management, 41-year-old soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, he is also very interested in weight training and diet control, raising expectations for his future growth.

Park drew a line by saying, "Rumors say I've thrown (at speeds of) 150 km/h, but the fastest I've personally recorded is 149 km/h." He emphasized, "Rather than obsessing over velocity right now, I believe it's more important to perform well once I reach the professional level. Currently, I am more interested in improving the completeness of my breaking balls, including the cutter."

Despite his team's weak strength keeping them stuck at the round of 16 in national tournaments for a long time, he is gradually finding more enjoyment in baseball while filling in for the lack of game experience. While hoping to be different this time at the final Bonghwangdaegi Cup, opponents from the first round are far from easy.

Seoul Design High will face Yushin High, the runner-up of the Presidential Cup, at Guri Baseball Stadium at 8:30 a.m. on the 10th for the first round of the Bonghwangdaegi Cup. Yushin High has Lee Seung-won (18), who is also evaluated as a top-1R left-handed pitcher candidate alongside Park Geun-seo, holding his ground.

Park Geun-seo said with enthusiasm, "My closest goal right now is the Bonghwangdaegi Cup. We face Yushin High in the first game, and Lee Seung-won will be there. First and foremost, I really want to win that game."

He continued, "After that, youth tournaments are crucial. The youth national team is a position one might never experience again at this age. Therefore, my desire to win is very strong, and I definitely want to defeat Japan at least once. Until then, maintaining my physical condition is my biggest goal," he conveyed his confident resolve.

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*This content was translated by AI.