The Atlanta Braves are on the cusp of ending a 23-year drought, thanks to the reunion with Ha-Seong Kim. But here's where it gets interesting: if Kim avoids injury during spring training, he'll become the second South Korean-born player to make the Opening Day roster, and the first since Jung-Keun Bong in 2003. This reunion not only fills a crucial shortstop position but also sparks a forgotten legacy. Before Kim's arrival, Jung-Keun Bong was the only Korean to have played for the Braves. Bong, discovered as a teenager in an international youth tournament, signed with the team after his family was assured he could finish high school. His signing bonus was a reported $900,000. Bong's MLB career was short-lived, making just one April start in 2002 and spending most of the season in Double-A Greenville. Despite his limited time in the majors, Bong is remembered as a trailblazer for the Korea to MLB pipeline. Since his signing, South Korea has produced successful MLB players like Shin-Soo Choo, Hyun-jin Ryu, and Ha-Seong Kim. Now, with Kim's potential Opening Day roster spot, the Braves are set to continue this legacy, marking a significant moment in the history of Korean baseball in the MLB.
