Kiwoom: "We highly evaluated his exceptional talent, potential, and decision to play in the domestic league."

SEOUL — Ha Hyun-seung, the standout two-way prodigy from Busan High School selected as the number one overall pick in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft, has rewritten KBO League history by signing the largest rookie contract ever.

The Kiwoom Heroes announced on October 7 that they have officially signed Ha to a rookie contract featuring a record-breaking signing bonus of 1.6 billion KRW (approximately $1.15 million USD). This shatters the previous KBO rookie signing bonus record of 1 billion KRW set 21 years ago in 2006 by Han Ki-joo (then with the KIA Tigers), who was a senior at Gwangju Dongseong High School at the time.

Ha, who excels as both a pitcher and a hitter, has earned monikers like the "Busan High School Ohtani" and "Two-Way Star" due to his extraordinary dual threat capabilities.

Pitching Statistics: In 15 high school tournament games this year, Ha posted a stellar 4-0 record with a 0.39 ERA, 77 strikeouts, 11 walks, and a 0.72 WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched).
Batting Statistics: In 24 games as a hitter, he batted .383 with 31 hits, 3 home runs, 21 RBIs, a .495 on-base percentage, and a .593 slugging percentage.
Furthermore, Ha led Team South Korea to victory at the U-18 Asian Baseball Championship, appearing in three games—including the final—and earning three wins.

Ahead of the draft, Ha received lucrative offers from Major League Baseball (MLB) clubs. However, after deep deliberation, he decided to begin his professional career directly in the KBO League.

The Kiwoom front office stated that the unprecedented 1.6 billion KRW bonus reflects a comprehensive evaluation of his overwhelming skill set, immense potential, and his commitment to challenging himself in the domestic league instead of heading overseas.

Upon signing the historic deal to join his new club, Ha expressed his gratitude, saying, "I sincerely thank the club for highly evaluating my value and offering such wonderful terms. It still feels surreal to become a member of the team I’ve always wanted to join."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]