Park Chan-ho (31, Doosan Bears), a top-tier shortstop who signed with Doosan ahead of this season, grew up in Seoul but spent his professional career in Gwangju after being drafted by the KIA Tigers in 2014. Though not his physical hometown, Gwangju became his spiritual home as he matured into one of the league’s finest shortstops through 12 seasons with KIA.
This season, Park left Gwangju as a free agent, accepting Doosan’s 4-year, 8 billion won offer. Despite KIA’s competitive bid, they couldn’t match Doosan’s terms. Even after the move, Park expressed gratitude to KIA and its fans. On April 17, during a game at Jamsil, he bowed deeply to KIA fans in the third-base stands, and the fans applauded in return.
Park went further. For his first away game in Gwangju after the transfer, he prepared something special. On May 12, before the game against KIA, he ordered 1,200 rice cakes from a famous Gwangju shop, “Changyeok Tteok,” to share with former teammates, club staff, and even some fans entering the stadium. Each package carried his heartfelt message: “I was happy to be with you, and thank you.”
A Doosan official explained, “Park bought 1,200 pieces of the popular rice cake and gifted them to fans and KIA players and staff. The packaging had his sincere words.”
Park himself said, “After 12 years in the pros, I received so much love from KIA fans. I prepared this small gesture to return some of that love. I wanted to hand them out personally, but circumstances didn’t allow it. I also thank KIA for helping distribute them. Once again, thank you all.”
KIA also acknowledged Park’s gesture on their social media, posting photos and instructions for fans to receive the rice cakes. They wrote, “Thank you, Park Chan-ho. We were happy to be together too!”
Upon returning to Gwangju, Park received applause from KIA fans as he walked to the plate in the first inning. He removed his helmet and bowed respectfully toward the third-base stands, emotions visible. In his first at-bat, he swung hard at the first pitch but flied out to center.
But emotions aside, the game was the game. Park had previously hit .300 in his first series against KIA, and in this game, though he went hitless, he contributed with solid defense and a key slide, helping Doosan win 5-1. With both teams competing for standings, the remaining games carry significant weight. The mutual respect is clear, but now it’s about winning.
