'48 billion won didn't shake him': Kiwoom's Ha Hyun-seung rejects another $3.5 million MLB offer just after the final against Japan... even his mother was surprised by his resolve to stay in the KBO

*This content was translated by AI.

The pursuit of Ha Hyun-seung (18, Busan High) by Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs was relentless. Despite his price tag soaring to as much as $3.5 million (approximately 4.8 billion won), his resolve never wavered.

On the 21st, Ha Hyun-seung was selected first overall in the first round by Kiwoom Heroes at the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft held at the World Crystal Ballroom of Seoul Lotte Hotel.

The outcome was expected. Classified as Korea's top high school prospect since his freshman year, Ha Hyun-seung steadily honed his skills over three years. Just before the draft, he proved on the final international stage why he was a candidate for the first overall pick. At the 14th Asian Youth Baseball Championship, he appeared in three games, posting an undefeated 3-0 record with 25 strikeouts over 15⅔ innings without allowing a single run. He climbed onto the mound three times within a week and allowed zero runs — earning him the title of "Mr. Zero."

Especially in the final against Japan, Ha Hyun-seung held opponents to just one hit and two walks over seven innings while striking out eight batters, keeping the game scoreless. Leading with his outstanding performance, South Korea defeated Japan and claimed the Asian championship for the first time since 2018.

MLB's pursuit did not end after offering up to $3 million in June. According to Ha Hyun-seung's representatives, immediately following the final against Japan, one MLB club offered him $3.5 million. However, he had already decided to participate in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft and was firmly committed to beginning his professional career in Korea. Once again, Ha Hyun-seung turned down a substantial offer.

Ha Hyun-seung had already demonstrated his determination to remain in Korea on multiple occasions. In June, the New York Yankees presented him with a $3 million contract and a detailed development plan. The team owner went so far as to send two personal letters, showing strong interest. Even then, Ha Hyun-seung told StarNews, "I always wanted to play in the KBO. Although many people offered advice, I never wavered even once."

His goal was also clear. He had not abandoned the United States but simply changed the order of his plans. At the time, Ha Hyun-seung emphasized, "Korean baseball is no joke. There's plenty to learn here, and I believe I can level up in Korea as well. I want to become the best in Korean professional baseball, earn recognition, and then challenge MLB with favorable treatment."

His family respected his decision. Ha Hyun-seung's parents are Ha Chung-soo, a former national high jump representative, and Shin Myeong-hee, who was on the national long jump reserve team. Ha inherited their exceptional physical attributes from them. At the first overall pick announcement site, Shin Myeong-hee recalled, "The MLB offer was an amount so large it didn't even feel real to us. They promised to take great care of him and raise him well. So, I once subtly asked, 'Would you like to go?'"

But Ha Hyun-seung had already made up his mind. Shin Myeong-hee said, "Hyun-seung's heart was so firm. In the end, we decided to let him follow his own wishes." It was actually his mother, Shin Myeong-hee, who became emotional before her son when his name was called as the first overall pick.

Shin Myeong-hee said, "Even if it's 99.9%, I was still nervous until it actually happened. He has walked his path so well up to now, and I'm so proud of him. I hope he continues to do exactly as he is doing in the professional league." She cheered for her son's bright future.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.