The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO All-Star Game has ignited a debate among fans and players alike, centering on the notable absence of Kim Hyun-soo, a player once hailed as a “legend of Jamsil Stadium.” Despite his storied career and popularity, Kim, currently with the KT Wiz, was not selected for the final All-Star event held at the iconic Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
Yang Eui-ji Tops Fan Ballots Amidst Controversy
The fan-favorite, Yang Eui-ji of the Doosan Bears, secured the top spot in the All-Star fan vote for the third time in his career. He garnered a record-breaking 2,605,510 votes, surpassing LG Twins’ Austin Dean by over 212,000 votes. This achievement marks Yang’s third time leading the fan vote, placing him in elite company with players like Lee Man-soo and Kang Min-ho, who have also achieved this feat multiple times.
Yang’s performance extended beyond fan support; he also led in the player vote, earning 187 out of 394 ballots for a total score of 50.95 points, the highest among all selected players. This dual recognition highlights his standing within the league, both in the eyes of the fans and his peers.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Yang Eui-ji’s selection as the top vote-getter is a significant milestone. He has now been selected for 15 All-Star Games, tying him for second place in all-time selections. He trails only Kim Hyun-soo, who holds the record with 16 selections. Yang now stands alongside Yang Joon-hyuk and Kang Min-ho, each with 15 selections.
Reflecting on his achievement, Yang expressed his gratitude. “It’s truly an honor to be selected as the number one player in the fan vote during a time when baseball is so popular. I want to sincerely thank the fans,” he stated at the Jamsil Stadium on July 11th. “It’s even more special to be chosen for the final All-Star Game at Jamsil. I’m so happy to be able to participate again after missing last year’s game.”
The Rise of a Meme and a Home Run Derby Star
Yang’s popularity surge has been partly attributed to a viral internet meme stemming from the song ‘Suddenly’ by the K-pop group i.O.I. The meme, featuring the phrase “I lay down to sleep, but it’s Yang Eui-ji,” resonated with fans, boosting his public profile.
“Times have changed, and players need to promote themselves more. Thankfully, the fans found it entertaining,” Yang commented. “I think i.O.I. also benefited from my influence, and their song ‘Suddenly’ topped the charts. I congratulate them and hope the Doosan Bears can also perform well in the second half of the season, just like i.O.I.”
His performance in the Home Run Derby also drew attention. Despite the high level of competition, Yang managed to hit six home runs. “Players like Oh Tae-gon and Heo In-seong hit exceptionally well,” Yang recalled. “I thought hitting one or two home runs at Jamsil would be considered good, but I felt the pressure. Thanks to Park Chan-ho’s setup, I was able to hit six, which I’m satisfied with.”
Kim Hyun-soo’s Absence: A Lingering Question
Despite the excitement surrounding Yang’s success, the absence of Kim Hyun-soo, a former teammate and a prominent figure at Jamsil Stadium, remains a point of discussion. Yang shared his thoughts on Kim’s situation:
“I had dinner with Hyun-soo recently, and he expressed his strong desire to play in the All-Star Game. But he wasn’t selected,” Yang revealed. “We haven’t spoken since then. Given his record, I thought he would naturally be chosen.” Yang also drew a parallel to his own experience, noting, “I also thought I would be selected last year, but I couldn’t participate.”
Jamsil Stadium’s Legacy and Future
Yang Eui-ji has a deep connection with Jamsil Stadium, having played there consistently since his debut in 2006, except for a period with the NC Dinos. He fondly recalled his early memories:
“I remember my first at-bat and first fielding position at Jamsil when I debuted in the first team. Winning the championship at Jamsil in 2015 is also a strong memory. I also experienced many runner-up finishes here.”
With Jamsil Stadium scheduled for demolition after this year, Yang expressed a desire to conclude his time there on a high note:
“Our team finished ninth last year. Since this is the last year at Jamsil, I want to finish the season strongly in the second half and play baseball for longer. All the players are united with this goal.”
The All-Star Game, while a celebration of the league’s stars, has inadvertently highlighted the complexities of player selection and the enduring legacies of athletes like Kim Hyun-soo, whose absence continues to be a topic of conversation among baseball enthusiasts.
