Former baseball star Son Chang-min, now 55, showcased his tsundere personality during a recent episode of MBN’s ‘Kim Joo-ha’s Dinner Tonight.’ He opened up about the mental resilience built from overwhelming fan support and shared emotional anecdotes from his playing days.
Fan Devotion and Pitcher’s Reluctance
Son Chang-min recounted receiving massive volumes of fan mail during his time with the Cheongchun Stars in the 1980s. Fans sent between 500 and 800 tons of letters daily on average, spiking to 2,000 to 3,000 tons during school vacations. Despite the burden, he bitterly recalled replying to every single one under his manager’s strict orders.
“There were so many letters from all over that I couldn’t handle it anymore,” Son Chang-min admitted. He resented the pitcher role that demanded such diligence but later recognized it elevated his superstar status.
Turning Resentment into Gratitude
For 16 years, Son Chang-min harbored frustration toward his manager for enforcing full responses to fans and pushing him into pitching—a position he loathed. Yet, he now views it fondly. Before marriage, when living month-to-month on rent, the manager hand-knitted warm mittens for him. Even after tying the knot, the support continued.
Son Chang-min joked about spotting a familiar face from those days: “You lived well? Since you played baseball, come find me!” The manager’s persistence packed his medicine storage during tough times, revealing a deep bond.
Memorable Fan Encounters
One vivid memory involved a fan dragging his hair while cheering wildly. Son Chang-min pushed back, declaring, “I don’t need it anymore—only Son Chang-min can hug me!” Another fan endured without snacks during games, prompting his quip: “Well, go eat yourself, eat more, sleep then—drinking too much keeps you from sleeping well.”
His small frame belied a half-sang 10-minute endurance, and he emphasized touching scenes today: “I have deep emotions stored up from seeing so many studs up close.” These stories highlight his transformation into a complete iron learner in his youth.
Current Life and Show Highlights
Now a school teacher, Son Chang-min delights students who chant, “Dad! Son Chang-min dad!” as he cheers with a loud voice, drawing cheers. Joined by Shin Hyeon-jun, known as the ‘Child of the Wind’ and ‘Elephant Child,’ they exchanged admiration, reigniting baseball nostalgia.
MBN’s ‘Kim Joo-ha’s Dinner Tonight,’ a sincere talk show blending catches, personal tales, love stories, facts, and emotions, airs every Tuesday at 9:40 PM. Episode 19 aired on April 4.
