Choi Jeong sets KBO record with 11 straight seasons of 20+ home runs

SSG Landers' veteran slugger Choi Jeong has etched his name in KBO League history, becoming the first player to achieve 11 consecutive seasons with 20 or more home runs. The milestone was reached on Tuesday during a home game against the Kia Tigers at SSG Landers Field in Incheon.

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I've always had a special affection for double-digit home run records. So, this 11-year consecutive 20-home run record is very meaningful to me.

Choi, 39, blasted a two-run home run in the fifth inning, extending his team's lead to 2-0. This crucial hit not only secured his record but also propelled the Landers to a 6-0 victory, snapping a two-game losing streak and starting the second half of the season on a high note. Choi finished the game with one hit, one home run, and three RBIs.

The historic home run came off Kia starter Adam Oller with a two-out, full-count count. Choi connected with a 130-meter shot to left field, marking his 20th homer of the season. This achievement builds upon his previous record, which began in 2016. In addition to the home run streak, Choi also surpassed 1000 career extra-base hits, including 538 home runs and 450 doubles, becoming only the second player in KBO history to reach this mark.

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I feel relieved to have achieved this record in the first game of the second half. I wanted to start the second half with a fresh feeling, and I've done that well. I will continue to show good games.

Reflecting on the achievement, Choi expressed relief and satisfaction. "I've always had a special affection for double-digit home run records. So, this 11-year consecutive 20-home run record is very meaningful to me," he said. "I feel relieved to have achieved this record in the first game of the second half. I wanted to start the second half with a fresh feeling, and I've done that well. I will continue to show good games."

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As I get older, it becomes more difficult to hit many home runs due to physical challenges. That's why I want to hit even more home runs. My desire to hit 600 home runs has grown significantly.

Looking ahead, Choi, already the league's only player with over 500 home runs, set his sights on a new ambitious goal: 600 career home runs. "As I get older, it becomes more difficult to hit many home runs due to physical challenges," he admitted. "That's why I want to hit even more home runs. My desire to hit 600 home runs has grown significantly." He added, "Once I reach 600, I think I can retire without regrets. It feels like a realistic goal now, so I have hope. I want to focus more and produce more home runs without regret."

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Once I reach 600, I think I can retire without regrets. It feels like a realistic goal now, so I have hope. I want to focus more and produce more home runs without regret.