Hyeseong Kim: The South Korean Speedster Making His Mark with the LA Dodgers
Known in the baseball world as "The Comet" for his exceptional speed, Hyeseong Kim is a versatile South Korean professional athlete who has successfully transitioned from the KBO League to Major League Baseball (MLB). A dynamic player capable of fielding second base, shortstop, and center field, Kim currently brings his agility and precision to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Kim's journey is marked by historic achievements, including becoming the first Korean-born position player to win a World Series. His ability to impact the game both defensively and on the basepaths has made him a significant asset for his teams in both South Korea and the United States.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Hyeseong Kim (김혜성)
- Current Team: Los Angeles Dodgers (No. 6)
- Positions: Second Baseman, Shortstop, Center Fielder
- KBO Legacy: Only player to win Golden Glove Awards at both shortstop and second base.
- MLB Milestone: World Series Champion (2025).
- Signature Skill: Elite speed and base-stealing ability.
Early Life and Professional Beginnings
Born on January 27, 1999, in Koyang, Kyŏnggi Province, South Korea, Kim showed early promise as a standout hitter. In 2016, he received the Lee Young-min Batting Award, an honor reserved for the top-hitting high school player in the country. This performance led to him being drafted in the second round of the 2017 KBO draft by the Nexen Heroes from Dongsan High School in Incheon.
Kim made his professional debut on June 28, 2017. While his rookie season began with a brief stint in the KBO Futures League (the KBO's minor league system), he eventually established himself as a core member of the franchise, which later became the Kiwoom Heroes in 2019.
Dominance in the KBO League
Throughout his tenure with the Kiwoom Heroes (2017–2024), Kim evolved into one of the league's most formidable players. He became a mainstay in the lineup by 2018, eventually recording a career batting average of .304 over 953 games. His offensive contributions included 37 home runs and 386 runs batted in (RBI), but it was his speed that defined his KBO career, evidenced by 211 stolen bases and a league-leading stolen base title in 2021.
Defensively, Kim's versatility was unmatched, earning him four KBO Golden Glove Awards between 2021 and 2024. In his final KBO season, he achieved career highs in home runs (11) and RBI (75) while slashing .326/.383/.458. On December 4, 2024, the Heroes posted Kim to MLB as a free agent, opening the door for his move to the United States.
Transition to the Los Angeles Dodgers
On January 3, 2025, Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million guaranteed contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with options that could increase the total value to $22 million. His transition to the American game began in Triple-A with the Oklahoma City Comets before he was called up to the major leagues on May 3, 2025.
Kim's rookie MLB season was a mixture of triumph and adversity. He recorded his first MLB hit on May 5 against Sandy Alcántara and hit his first home run on May 14 against the Athletics. Despite a month-long absence in August due to left shoulder bursitis, Kim finished his debut season with a .280 batting average, 3 home runs, and 13 stolen bases in 71 games.
Postseason Success and World Series Glory
Kim played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 2025 postseason. In the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, he entered as a pinch runner in Game 4 and scored the series-winning run following a throwing error. He capped off the year by appearing as a defensive replacement in Game 7 of the World Series, helping the Dodgers secure the championship.
In early 2026, Kim continued to refine his game. After starting the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City—where he recorded a career-best five-hit game on March 29—he was recalled to the Dodgers on April 5.
Career Statistics Summary
| Metric | KBO (through 2024) | MLB (through May 3, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .304 | .290 |
| Home Runs | 37 | 4 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 386 | 25 |
| Stolen Bases | 211 | 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hyeseong Kim's nickname?
Hyeseong Kim is nicknamed "The Comet," a reference to his exceptional speed on the baseball diamond.
Which MLB team does Hyeseong Kim play for?
He currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he wears jersey number 6.
What makes Kim's KBO Golden Glove achievements unique?
Kim is the only player in KBO history to receive the Golden Glove Award at both the shortstop and second base positions.
When did Hyeseong Kim make his MLB debut?
Kim made his Major League Baseball debut on May 3, 2025, appearing as a defensive replacement against the Atlanta Braves.
Is Hyeseong Kim a World Series champion?
Yes, he won the World Series in 2025 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the first Korean-born position player to achieve this feat.