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Choi Jung “Honored beyond Lee Seung-yeop
Choi Jung (37-SSG Landers), who broke the KBO record with his 468th career home run, said it was surreal. He revealed that he wanted to hit the home run in front of the home fans, but he was glad to shake off the pressure that had been weighing him down.
In an interview after hitting the 468th home run of his career against the Lotte Giants in the 2024 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 24th, Choi said, “I never thought about setting a record in baseball, but it's unreal to achieve it like this.” He added, “I was worried that I wouldn't be good at baseball because I was under a lot of pressure to set a new home run record, but I'm glad that I set the record earlier than I thought. I'm very happy,” he said.
“I would like to give credit to all the hitting coaches who have coached me over the years, and I would also like to thank the people who are interested in my home run record and support me,” he said.
Choi hit a first-pitch slider from Lotte starter Lee In-bok over the left-field fence with the bases loaded in the top of the fifth inning. It was Choi's 10th home run of the season and 468th of his career.
With the home run, Choi passed Doosan's Lee Seung-yeop, who has 467 career home runs, to become the KBO's all-time leader in home runs. Choi has been hitting home runs consistently for 20 seasons since his professional debut in 2005. He has also hit double-digit home runs in a career-high 19 consecutive seasons.
“The moment I hit the ball, I was worried that I would hit the fence, but luckily it went over,” Choi said of the home run, adding, “I'm honored to break Lee Seung-yup's record. I'm proud of myself.”
“I think I'm really lucky,” he laughed, “to have been hit by so many pitches (330) and not have any major injuries.
Choi confessed that he would have preferred to hit his 468th home run in the three-game series against KT Wiz and Munhwa on June 26-28 rather than at Sajik Stadium. “I didn't want to hit it in an away stadium, but I still wanted to celebrate in front of the home fans,” he said. “After I hit the home run, I had mixed emotions, including embarrassment and regret, while running around the bases.
Now, Choi will try to reach 500 career home runs. Given his home run pace, that could happen as soon as next season.
“Honestly, I don't think I can hit 600 homers, but I want to hit 500. If I keep doing what I'm doing, I can do it. I'm going to set big goals and work hard,” he said.
“Double-digit home runs in consecutive seasons is the record I'm most attached to. I've dreamed of doing it consistently since I was a kid. I'm going to do my best to make sure it doesn't get broken.”