Park Ju-hong of the Kiwoom Heroes made headlines on March 17, 2025, by hitting his very first KBO home run during a preseason matchup against the Lotte Giants at the Gocheok Sky Dome, located in western Seoul. This milestone marks not just another game for Park, but potentially the turning point of his career as he aims to establish himself as a regular player.
At just 23 years old, Park, who was the Heroes' territorial draft choice back in 2019, had played 109 games over five seasons without yet hitting a home run during regular season play. His home run on Monday was significant, not just personally, but also because it came off right-hander Park Se-woong, one of the league's leading pitchers and national team caliber. After the game, Park expressed his delight, stating, "I was so happy. Even though this was only a preseason game, it still felt great to go deep against a KBO pitcher." The joy was evident on his face, underscoring the emotional weight of this achievement.
Park’s home run came in the bottom of the second inning, contributing to the Heroes’ 4-3 victory over the Giants. The event was not just another notch on his belt; it was the culmination of years of hard work and determination. "All the pitchers at this level are really good," he added, his voice trembling with emotion. This moment becomes even more poignant considering Park is vying for a permanent spot on the team, having not played more than 27 games in any of his previous seasons. He turns 24 next month, and as he acknowledges, he's at the point where he can no longer be regarded as just a prospect.
Reflecting on his approach, Park indicated his keenness to change the narrative surrounding his career effort. "I came [into the preseason] trying to put as many balls in play as possible. I'd fouled off too many pitches and struck out too often," he explained. His strategy this postseason focuses on refining his swing. "This year, I've been trying to keep my swing short and simple, so I could pounce on mistakes," he said, highlighting his shift toward technique and confidence. This underlying determination showcases his commitment to turning his career around.
Despite widespread skepticism about the Heroes' potential for the upcoming season, currently, they are performing surprisingly well with a preseason record of 5-3-1 and sitting atop the KBO with 12 home runs. This impressive feat has defied the expectations set by sports analysts who predicted the team would finish last. The spotlight on Park can fuel hope not just for his performance but for the team's season as well.
The excitement among fans was palpable as Park’s home run reverberated through the stadium, and it’s clear he has become one of the players to watch. With each swing, he gains more confidence, and as he himself noted, "I have confidence in the work I've put in, and I will continue to trust it." For Park Ju-hong, this moment could very well signal the beginning of what he hopes will be highlighted career — one where he transcends the label of draft bust and emerges as a key player for the Heroes.
This preseason home run is not merely recorded for history; it encapsulates the story of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely as Park navigates the upcoming regular season, hoping this earnest performance is the first step toward greater success on the field.
With the KBO season looming on the horizon, all eyes will be on Park and the Heroes — ready to see if they can sustain this momentum as they push for respectability and perhaps become the underdogs of the 2025 season.
