Braves Welcome Back Korean Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, Ending 23-Year Drought

Kim's historic MLB debut marks a significant cultural moment for Korean baseball talent.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:24am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball player in action, with the energy of a crowd in the background, all rendered in the vibrant colors of the Atlanta Braves' team palette.The Braves' reunion with Korean shortstop Ha-Seong Kim celebrates the growing international diversity of MLB talent and the pioneering efforts of past Korean players like Jung-Keun Bong.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves are on the verge of a historic milestone as they welcome back Korean shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who will become the second South Korean-born player to don a Braves uniform since Jung-Keun Bong in 2003. Kim's reunion with the team not only addresses their shortstop needs for the 2026 season but also represents a significant cultural moment for the sport, celebrating the growing international diversity of MLB talent.

Why it matters

This reunion is more than just a roster move - it shines a spotlight on the forgotten legacy of Jung-Keun Bong, the only other Korean player to ever play for the Braves. Bong's story highlights the global reach of baseball scouting and the challenges international players face in breaking through to the major leagues. Kim's arrival marks a symbolic passing of the torch, as he looks to build on Bong's pioneering efforts and further establish the Korea-to-MLB pathway.

The details

Ha-Seong Kim, a star shortstop, was claimed by the Braves via waivers last September, a process that allows teams to pick up undervalued talent. If he stays healthy through spring training, Kim will become the second South Korean-born player to start on the Braves' Opening Day roster, the first since Jung-Keun Bong in 2003. Bong, a pitcher, was the first Korean player to ever sign with the Braves, joining the team in 1997 after being spotted at an international youth tournament in Canada. Bong made his MLB debut in 2002 and spent the 2003 season on the Braves' Opening Day roster, a first for any South Korean player with the franchise.

  • In 1997, Jung-Keun Bong signed with the Braves after being spotted at an international youth tournament in Canada.
  • Bong made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2002.
  • Bong spent the 2003 season on the Braves' Opening Day roster, a first for any South Korean player with the franchise.
  • In September 2025, the Braves claimed Ha-Seong Kim via waivers.
  • If Kim stays healthy through spring training, he will start on the Braves' 2026 Opening Day roster.

The players

Ha-Seong Kim

A star shortstop who was claimed by the Braves via waivers in September 2025 and is poised to become the second South Korean-born player to start on the Braves' Opening Day roster.

Jung-Keun Bong

The first Korean player to ever sign with the Braves, joining the team in 1997 after being spotted at an international youth tournament in Canada. Bong made his MLB debut with the Braves in 2002 and spent the 2003 season on the team's Opening Day roster, a first for any South Korean player with the franchise.

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What’s next

If Ha-Seong Kim stays healthy through spring training, he will be officially named to the Braves' 2026 Opening Day roster, marking a historic moment for Korean baseball talent in the MLB.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing international diversity of MLB talent and the importance of recognizing the pioneering efforts of players like Jung-Keun Bong, who paved the way for future Korean stars like Ha-Seong Kim to thrive in the league. The Braves' reunion with Kim represents a significant cultural milestone that celebrates the global reach of the sport.