WBSC Premier12 star Doyeong Kim earns KBO MVP and Best Hitter Awards

WBSC Premier12 2024 presented by RAXUS star Doyeong Kim earned the Korea Baseball Association (KBO) league MVP honours. The 21-year-old third baseman was also awarded as the 2024 best hitter.

Kim played 141 games for the Kia Tigers and went 189-for-544, a .347 batting average. He hit 28 home runs and had 109 runs batted in. He also stole 40 bases. He became the youngest player to have a 30-homer and 20-stolen base season and fell just two home runs short from becoming the first Korean to have a 40-40 season. On July 23 he hit for the cycle.

WBSC Premier12 winner and 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist Dae-Ho Lee presented the award.

"I will always stay humble," commented Kim during his acceptance speech. "I think 2024 marked a start for me. I want to stay consistent. There are a lot of more experienced players who inspire me. I keep learning just looking at them."

The Kia Tigers fans have honoured Kim with a slogan stating "Doyeong, I live becuse of you".

"I'm grateful to the fans. The slogan is memorable. When I started using it on my social media profiles at the beginning of the season, my performance improved."

Kim impressed at the Premier12, going 7-for-17, a .412 batting average, with three home runs and ten RBIs. World No. 6 Korea failed to advance to the Super Round.

Kim spoke to the local media about Korea's performance in the Premier12.

"I thought we were competitive. I thought Korea wasn't behind other teams. I think other teams showed up in this Premier 12 with decent power."

Kim said he is looking forward to representing Korea again.

"If we have another chance, I think we have to do better. I think we have to prove our qualities through results."

Doyeong Kim is one of the candidates for a Gold Glove at third base. The awarding ceremony is scheduled for Friday December 13.