During a press conference following his return to South Korea, Kim Hye-seong, the star pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, made an unexpected and dramatic interruption. The moment came after he stepped off the plane at Incheon International Airport, where he was greeted by a large number of reporters and fans. As he began answering questions about his experience in the World Series, he suddenly halted the interview.
“Once that person leaves, I will do my best with the interview,” Kim said, pointing toward someone in the crowd. His tone shifted from calm to visibly frustrated as he gestured toward a man holding a placard that accused his father of financial wrongdoing. This incident disrupted the flow of the interview, causing a tense pause that lasted over a minute.
The individual in question, known among baseball fans as “Gocheok Mr. Kim,” had previously been fined for displaying similar signs. On this occasion, he held a placard with messages such as, “Some bastard went to the LA Dodgers while his father went bankrupt – discharged from debt” and “Mr. Kim, who was fined for defamation, and his cancer-cell family will soon face divine punishment.”
Kim’s reaction was immediate and pointed. He asked a staff member if they could see the man and then muttered something under his breath before asking the reporter if it was okay to continue the interview. After a few minutes, security intervened and moved the individual away, allowing Kim to resume the conversation.
In the resumed interview, Kim reflected on his first season in Major League Baseball. When asked to rate his performance, he gave himself a 30 out of 100. “I achieved unsatisfactory results and believe I have a long way to go,” he said. “I will strive to become a player who can fill 100 points.”
He also spoke about his plans for the upcoming offseason. “I will rest sufficiently for about a week domestically and then begin training,” he said. “My goal is to achieve better results next year than this year.”
Regarding the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), which is scheduled for March next year, Kim expressed his commitment. “I always prepare,” he said. “If I am selected for the national team, I want to do my best.”
Kim Hye-seong’s journey to the majors began when he signed a ‘3+2-year’ contract with the Dodgers through the posting system in January, worth up to $22 million (approximately 32.474 billion Korean won). After being called up to the majors in May, he played in 71 regular-season games, recording a batting average of .280, three home runs, 17 RBIs, 19 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases.
He was also included in the postseason roster and participated as a late defensive substitute in the 7th game of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. That moment, sharing the championship with his teammates, was a highlight of his debut season.
Despite the challenges he faced during his return to South Korea, including the disruptive presence of the man with the placard, Kim remained focused on his future goals. His determination to improve and contribute to both his team and the national squad highlights his strong work ethic and dedication to the sport.