'Chose KBO despite MLB interest' 1st-round prospect Kwak Do-hyun, aiming for Asian supremacy with skills learned from Kim Won-joong: "I will return as the champion with pitching that won't bring shame" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kwak Do-hyun (18, Busan High School), who had also attracted interest from Major League Baseball (MLB), has explained his decision to remain in the KBO League.

Kwak Do-hyun will participate in the 2026 Asian Baseball Federation (BFA) U-18 Asian Championship, scheduled to take place in Taipei, Taiwan, from the 7th to 13. Deoksu High School head coach Jung Yun-jin (55) will lead Lee Kkeu-neun (CEO) team in its first attempt to reclaim the title since 2018.

Standing at 195 cm and weighing 100 kg, Kwak Do-hyun is a right-handed pitcher evaluated as a top candidate for the first round of the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft.

His high school career statistics include 16 games, 2 wins, 3 losses, an ERA of 3.83, 54⅓ innings pitched, 21 walks, 12 hit-by-pitches, 65 strikeouts, and a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.31. Although he did not appear in many games over three years due to his team's relatively weak performance, his consistent name recognition among scouts has grown since last year thanks to his fastball clocking up to 152 km/h unofficially and 150 km/h officially, along with a sharp-breaking slider.

He is not yet a complete pitcher. KBO scout A, who recently observed the youth national team training, noted: "(Kwak) Do-hyun has good fastball and slider velocity," but added, "Relying solely on his fastball and slider could lead to predictable patterns, so developing a third pitch appears necessary."

Another KBO scout, B, remarked: "MLB scouts also showed interest. While there are many physically imposing pitchers with fast balls in the U.S. who struggle with control, Kwak Do-hyun shares similar physical attributes and demonstrates reasonable command. With his physique, if he gains strength, he could grow to become as accomplished as Hyun-jung (Los Angeles Dodgers)."

Kwak Do-hyun is fully aware of his own areas for improvement. The pitch he is currently refining is the forkball, which he learned from Lotte Giants closer Kim Won-joong (33). Kim Won-joong was a role model who inspired a Busan boy who loved soccer to fall in love with baseball. Kim and Kwak first connected last year when Kim visited Busan High School at the request of Park Hwi-seong (34, Lotte 4th round pick No. 37), a fellow rookie draft classmate from 2012 who now serves as a pitching coach at Busan High School after retiring.

Meeting StarNews recently at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium, Kwak Do-hyun revealed his goals ahead of his final high school season: "To throw a fastball at 150 km/h and to master the forkball."

He has already achieved his first goal. The second remains a work in progress. Kwak stated, "I feel I've made good progress with my fastball. My forkball is about 80% there. I believe my season is still ongoing. My slider is also improving, so overall, things are going well."

He did not rate himself overly generously. When asked to score his final high school season out of 10, Kwak gave himself a 6 to 7. He explained, "Due to my lack of experience, I was quite nervous and impatient. There were moments when I lacked composure, and I struggled with physical conditioning in the latter part of the season. Eight points feels too high, but five seems too low, so I settled on 6 to 7."

Nevertheless, he earned recognition for his consistent performance built upon his 195 cm height, powerful pitching, and reliable control, earning his first national team jersey. Kwak said firmly, "It is an immense honor. Wearing the national emblem, I feel compelled to deliver results and pitching that will never bring shame."

The national team serves as another learning ground for Kwak Do-hyun. In particular, he actively seeks advice from Ha Hyun-seung (18, Busan High), the top-ranked prospect who gained international experience last year, and engages in discussions with other power pitchers about command and mental approach on the mound.

Kwak remarked, "When I ask Hyun-seung, he shares everything. I also learn a lot from other players regarding command and mindset. Being part of the national team has been a truly valuable experience."

Once the international tournament concludes, the KBO Rookie Draft awaits immediately. Although Kwak attracted interest from MLB teams up to this year's Golden Bat Tournament, he ultimately decided to stay in Korea after careful consideration. He has not abandoned his dream of playing in the United States; he has simply reordered his priorities.

Kwak explained, "I believe I need to solidify my fundamentals before excelling further. While going directly to MLB is appealing, I want to remain in the KBO first and fully develop my foundational skills. My vision is to showcase my abilities again in MLB once my fundamentals are complete."

He has temporarily set aside thoughts of the draft. Kwak said, "I feel the end of my high school journey is in sight, but my season is not over yet. Putting draft concerns aside, I believe I must deliver pitching at Lee Beon (CEO) team that will never bring shame."

His immediate focus is Taiwan. His fastball already reaches 150 km/h, and his forkball has reached 80% effectiveness. The remaining weapon is confidence. Kwak declared with determination: "I no longer think about what I cannot throw. My confidence is at MAX. I will show everything I can and return to Korea proudly as the champion."

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*This content was translated by AI.