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3mo ago

Choi Jeong Becomes KBO's First 500-Home Run Hitter

The SSG Landers slugger's milestone sparked a comeback win over the NC Dinos, ending their seven-game streak.

Choi Jeong of the SSG Landers hits his 500th career home run in the Korea Baseball Organization during a regular-season game against the NC Dinos at Incheon SSG Landers Field in Incheon, just west of Seoul, on May 13, 2025. (Yonhap)
Choi Jeong of the SSG Landers (C) gets doused by teammates after hitting his 500th home run in the Korea Baseball Organization against the NC Dinos at Incheon SSG Landers Field in Incheon, just west of Seoul, on May 13, 2025. (Yonhap)
Choi Jeong of the SSG Landers stands next to a plaque commemorating his 500th career home run in the Korea Baseball Organization during a regular-season game against the NC Dinos at Incheon SSG Landers Field in Incheon, just west of Seoul, on May 13, 2025, in this photo provided by the Landers. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Choi Jeong of the SSG Landers (L) stands next to a plaque commemorating his 500th career home run in the Korea Baseball Organization during a regular-season game against the NC Dinos at Incheon SSG Landers Field in Incheon, just west of Seoul, on May 13, 2025, in this photo provided by the Landers. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Choi Jeong, 38, hit his 500th career home run on May 13, a two-run shot off Riley Thompson in the sixth inning at Incheon SSG Landers Field.
  • The milestone home run tied the game at 2-2 and fueled the SSG Landers' 6-3 victory, snapping the NC Dinos' seven-game winning streak.
  • Choi overcame a season-opening hamstring injury to achieve the feat, having debuted in 2005 and maintaining double-digit home runs for 19 consecutive seasons.
  • The historic ball was returned to the club by fan Cho Sang-hyun, who declined a 17 million won reward, emphasizing the ball's symbolic importance.
  • Choi expressed aspirations for 600 home runs while reflecting on his legacy as the KBO's all-time home run leader since 2024.