Ha-seong Kim
A slick-fielding infielder whose seamless transition from Korean MVP to MLB standout made him a pioneer for future KBO position players.
Born 1995 (age 31)·South Korean baseball player·Birthday: October 17·Millennials
Biography
Ha-seong Kim arrived in Major League Baseball not as a curiosity, but as a finished product. After winning a Gold Glove and MVP honors in South Korea's KBO, he signed with the San Diego Padres facing the immense pressure of being one of the few Korean position players to jump directly to the majors. His first year was an adjustment, but Kim's work ethic and defensive versatility—shining at shortstop, second, and third—carved out an essential role on a star-laden team. His breakout came with consistent, sharp at-bats and elite baserunning, culminating in a Gold Glove award that validated his world-class defense. Kim's success story is a quiet triumph of adaptation, proving that elite skills translate across oceans and establishing a new blueprint for KBO stars dreaming of the big leagues.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ha-seong was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ha-seong Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Ha-seong's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League Gold Glove Award at utility in 2023, the first Padres player to win a utility Gold Glove.
- Finished in the top 10 in the National League in stolen bases in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
- Was named the MVP of the KBO League in 2020 with the Kiwoom Heroes, leading the league in runs scored and on-base percentage.
- Hit over 20 home runs and stole over 20 bases in the 2024 season, achieving a 20-20 season.
Did You Know?
He is married to Korean actress Lee So-ra.
He was teammates with MLB star Jung Hoo Lee on the Kiwoom Heroes in the KBO.
His first MLB hit was a home run off Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Taylor Widener in April 2021.
He is known for his meticulous pre-game routine and is often one of the first players on the field for batting practice.
“I just try to play the game the right way, to help my team win.”
