[Official] "Han Ki-ju's 1 billion won surpassed!" Kiwoom Heroes' Ha Hyun-seung signs for a record-breaking 1.6 billion won, writing new history in the KBO League's 45-year era

*This content was translated by AI.

The Kiwoom Heroes have officially finalized a contract with Ha Hyun-seung, the promising pitcher-batter prospect from Busan High School who was selected first overall in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft, for a signing bonus of 1.6 billion won.

On the 7th, the Kiwoom Heroes officially announced, "We have completed a contract with Ha Hyun-seung for a signing bonus of 1.6 billion won." The 1.6 billion won figure surpasses the 1 billion won paid to Han Ki-ju when he joined the KIA Tigers in 2006 by a wide margin after 20 years, setting a new all-time record for the highest rookie signing bonus in the 45th-year history of the KBO League.

Previously, the Kiwoom drew attention by posting on their official YouTube channel a video in which Ha Hyun-seung made the number "16" with both hands when asked about his signing bonus, leaving a major hint. The club's press release subsequently confirmed this exceptional treatment officially.

Ha Hyun-seung has been recognized early as an "elite high school prospect" for showcasing unparalleled skills in both pitching and batting on the high school stage. In particular, at this year's U-18 Asia Baseball Championship, he appeared in three games, including the final, winning all three to lead the Korean national team to victory, firmly proving his competitiveness on the international stage. Ahead of this draft, he received attractive offers from Major League Baseball (MLB) teams but, after careful consideration, chose to remain in the KBO League.

The Kiwoom club comprehensively evaluated Ha Hyun-seung's overwhelming skills and potential, as well as his decision to stay in Korea rather than pursue a move to the United States, leading them to set an unprecedented signing bonus of 1.6 billion won in KBO history. Following their payment of 900 million won to Jang Jae-young, selected first overall in 2021, the Kiwoom once again demonstrated their bold investment approach by breaking the all-time record.

After completing the contract, Ha Hyun-seung expressed his feelings, saying, "I sincerely thank the Heroes organization for highly evaluating my worth and providing such favorable treatment." He added, "I am truly happy to be wearing the uniform of a team I have always wanted to join, and it feels real now that I have officially become a member of the Heroes."

He continued, "The Heroes have many senior players who have gone on to the Major Leagues, as well as many excellent current seniors, so I will learn a lot from them and grow." He resolved, "I will prepare diligently from now on so that I can greet you all on the field next season."

Meanwhile, the Kiwoom have finalized contracts with all 11 players they selected in the 2027 Rookie Draft, including Ha Hyun-seung. Choi Woo-jun, an infielder from Gyeongbuk High School selected in the second round, signed for 170 million won, while Kim Min-jun, a pitcher from Kyungdong High School selected in the third round, signed for 120 million won.

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*This content was translated by AI.