Haseong Kim first home game: Korean American fans ‘big lift’

Haseong Kim first home game took place on September 5, 2025 at Truist Park, marking his first home appearance since leaving the Tampa Bay Rays for Atlanta in MLB. Younghoe Koo, the first Korean player in the NFL, threw the ceremonial first pitch, and many Korean American sports fans attended.

Ahead of the Haseong Kim first home game, Haseong Kim spoke with The Korea Daily. “It doesn’t feel hotter than Tampa Bay. I usually played well whenever I came to Atlanta, so I always left with good memories. Today is my third day with the team, and I’ve already gotten close with the players, so I’m even more excited,” he said. He added, “They even arranged a chartered plane, so unusually it was just me and the interpreter on board. I understand Atlanta’s Korean community is large. If more Korean American fans come out, it will motivate me.”

After the move, Haseong Kim hit a go-ahead three-run home run in his second game. He said, “I had many worries because of the injury when I joined. I stepped into the batter’s box after two weeks without seeing a pitch. I was very concerned my hitting might feel unfamiliar, but my movements were good and with some luck I even hit a home run.”

Regarding the rest of the season, Haseong Kim said, “After returning, my body didn’t feel good, so I couldn’t play the baseball I wanted. Undergoing shoulder surgery and rehabilitation wasn’t easy, and not long after I was hurt again and went on the injured list (IL) in Tampa Bay, so I have many tough memories there. Still, I’m grateful for the consideration from the club. I want to be remembered as a player who works hard.”

On his role at shortstop, Haseong Kim said, “It’s the position I can play best.”

Addressing talk about “bulk-up” (adding size) and injury concerns, Haseong Kim said, “I’ve steadily done weight training and increased muscle mass. I know many opinions have been voiced about the effects. When there are difficulties, I try to filter out various comments. Since I kept getting hurt, anyone can share concerned opinions, but bulking up has also been a driving force that brought me to where I am in my career. There are fans’ concerns about hustle plays, but through this injury I also learned how to manage my body.”