*This content was translated by AI.
The good deeds accumulated at 1 million won per home run have borne meaningful fruit. LG Twins' Oh Ji-hwan (36) will receive the Ministry of Health and Welfare Minister's Commendation on the occasion of 'Suicide Prevention Day'.
LG announced on the 10th that "Oh Ji-hwan has been selected as the 2026 Ministry of Health and Welfare Pyo Chang (수상) awardee for Suicide Prevention Day."
Oh Ji-hwan has participated in the 'Life-Respecting Hope Catchball' campaign since 2024, linking player records with donations. The initiative donates 1 million won to families of suicide victims each time he hits a home run.
He donated 10 million won in 2024 and 16 million won last year, totaling 26 million won over two years. He continues making donations this year using the same method. His consistent efforts were recognized for contributing to suicide prevention and improving awareness of respecting life.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Life-Respecting Hope Foundation designate September 10 annually as 'Suicide Prevention Day' to foster a proactive social atmosphere for national life-respecting culture and suicide prevention. On the afternoon of September 10 this year, a commemorative ceremony will be held at the Grand Ballroom of Westin Chosun Hotel under the theme "Life Protection as Daily Life: Check on Each Other." Oh Ji-hwan cannot attend the ceremony due to ongoing season activities.
Oh Ji-hwan expressed, "Although I cannot attend the ceremony venue, it is an honor to receive a meaningful award at such a significant event. I hope my donation activities can provide even a little strength to those going through difficult times."
Currently, Oh Ji-hwan is also facing important moments on the field. LG has fallen into a four-game losing streak late in the season, standing at 68 wins, 1 draw, and 55 losses in third place. With only a 0.5-game gap behind fourth-place KIA, securing third place to avoid the playoff qualification race has become urgent.
Oh Ji-hwan himself is also experiencing somewhat difficult times at the plate recently. His batting average over the last 10 games stands at 0.107 (3 hits in 28 at-bats). Nevertheless, as a veteran shortstop, he continues to guard the field steadily and participates in the fierce ranking battle.
LG is also continuing life-respecting activities at the club level. Since signing an agreement with the Korea Life-Respecting Hope Foundation in 2022, the team has conducted not only the 'Life-Respecting Hope Catchball' campaign but also regular-season home games as 'Life Guardian Day', invitations to families of suicide victims, and screenings of promotional videos.
This season, on May 12, they commemorated 'Life Guardian Day' by inviting instructor Jeong Seung-je, who is active in the '2026 5 Million Guardians Project Life Exchange', as the ceremonial first pitcher.
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*This content was translated by AI.
