A 20-year-old man is the breadwinner...I was happy. After leaving Gwangju for Seoul for 12 years, Park Chan-ho said goodbye
Nov 18, 2025
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Doosan Bears announced on the 18th that they signed an FA contract with Park Chan-ho (30) for up to 8 billion won for four years (down payment of 5 billion won, annual salary of 2.8 billion won, incentive of 200 million won)."
Park Chan-ho, who joined the KIA Tigers in the second round of the rookie draft (50th overall) in 2014, became an FA after the end of this season.
Park Chan-ho, who played in 1,088 games with a batting average of 266, 23 home runs, 187 steals, and an OPS of 0.660 was considered the biggest shortstop in the FA market.
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Park Chan-ho said hello to KIA fans through SNS. Park Chan-ho said, `It's already been 12 years since I took my first step in Gwangju, which was unfamiliar.' `My time in Gwangju was a journey to write down the pages of my life one by one. There is nothing that is not precious in any one page.
Park Chan-ho went on to thank the KIA fans once again and will remember the much-deserved love and support he received in his heart for the rest of his life. I was so grateful.'
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Hello, I'm Park Chan-ho.
I'm very sad to think that I can no longer put the modifier 'Kia Tigers' in front of my name. It's already been 12 years since I took my first step in Gwangju, which was unfamiliar. In fact, I was more afraid than excited to start as a professional baseball player. It was a new life that I had to meet away from my parents, in an unexpected team, in a place where I had no acquaintances or friends.
The time in Gwangju, which began like that, was a journey to write down the pages of my life one by one. There's nothing that isn't precious about any one page. There were times when it was hard and painful, but looking back, even those times were the precious foundation that made me who I am now.
From the first game of his debut to the first hit, first home run, finish, steal title, Golden Glove, defensive award, and the moment of victory that was possible because it was 'us'. Since the newlyweds and the birth of their two daughters were also celebrated here, 12 years in Gwangju became a part of my life that I will never forget.
I sincerely thank everyone who cared for and supported me just because I was a Kia Tigers player who was insignificant. Grandmother who held my hand in the hospital and cheered me on saying, "It's my youngest son." Residents' fathers who said, "I was happy because of you" after winning, and fans who filled my child's hands wherever they were… How can I forget you.
I still can't believe I'm leaving Gwangju and Kia Tigers. Maybe that's why. I tried to make more memories with my colleagues this season and keep the fans' support and shouts in my heart even a little more. I knew that it would be too hard to say goodbye, so I think I tried to prepare myself for the moment of separation that would come.
Still, I don't have any worries about the team leaving. I believe that if all of my younger brothers are determined to be, if they don't collapse, they will be better players so that I don't even think about my vacancy.
Kia Tigers fans! A 20-year-old young man, who seemed like a skinny middle school student, is now the head of a family and a father of two children to end his precious life in Gwangju. I was happy to be with the Kia Tigers and the Kia Tigers fans.
I really appreciated the general manager, the manager, the front desk, the coaching staff, and the squad, all of whom were like family. I'm sorry I couldn't be with you until the end. Although I can't run in the same uniform, I will always support you. Lastly, I would like to thank the Kia Tigers fans once again for making unforgettable moments for the past 12 years, and I will cherish and remember the much-deserved love and support I received in my heart for the rest of my life. Thank you so much.
From Park Chan-ho on November 18, 2025
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
