Legendary Korean Baseball Player Choi Dongwon Named 2026 Korean Sports Hero

Four wins in the 1984 Korean Series... Led Lotte to its first title
Selected over Park Joobong and Hwang Youngjo... Induction ceremony in December

Legendary Korean professional baseball player Choi Dongwon has been named a Korean Sports Hero.

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) announced on Wednesday, November 4, that it had selected the late Choi Dongwon as a 2026 Korean Sports Hero.

The KSOC said it selected Choi as this year's Sports Hero after reviewing the three finalists at the fifth Sports Heroes Selection Committee meeting on October 27. Badminton national team coach Park Joobong and Hwang Youngjo, the marathon gold medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, were also finalists.

Choi led the Lotte Giants to the first championship in the team's history by winning four games in the 1984 Korean Series. He also contributed to national team victories at the 1977 Intercontinental Cup and the 1982 World Baseball Championship, among other achievements. Through his performances in Korea and abroad, he helped develop Korean baseball and raise the country's profile.

Over eight seasons in professional baseball, he appeared in 248 games, recording 103 wins, 26 saves, 1,019 strikeouts and a 2.46 earned run average. After retiring, he continued to support the development of Korean baseball as a coach, commentator, game operations committee member for the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and national team scout.

The Korean Sports Hero program honors sports figures who have raised the country's profile and contributed to the development of Korean sports through outstanding achievements, and who serve as role models for young people and active athletes.

KSOC President Yoo Seungmin said, "The late Choi Dongwon was a legendary player who left a profound mark on the history of Korean baseball with his indomitable spirit and determination to take on challenges. I hope this selection as a Sports Hero will once again shine a light on his achievements and legacy, and that he will serve as an inspiration to future generations of athletes."

The KSOC plans to hold a Korean Sports Heroes induction ceremony in December to honor Choi's achievements and contributions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.