Choo Shin-soo to Wear Shinsegae Uniform... Annual Salary 2.7 Billion Won

"Great Strength from Shinsaegye Group's Direction, Sincerity, and Decisions"
Returns on the 25th... Joins the Team after 2 Weeks of Self-Quarantine

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Choo Shin-soo (39), who has played in Major League Baseball in the United States, will wear the Shinsegae uniform and play in the KBO League.

Shinsegae Group announced on the 23rd that they signed a contract with Choo Shin-soo for an annual salary of 2.7 billion won. This salary is the highest ever in the KBO League, exceeding the 2.5 billion won of Lotte Giants' Lee Dae-ho by 200 million won. The club explained, "One billion won of the salary will be used for social contribution activities," and added, "Specific plans will be carried out in consultation with the club."

Shinsegae Group acquired the SK Wyverns and obtained the rights to Choo Shin-soo, as SK had selected him in the special overseas draft in April 2007. It is known that Shinsegae Group has been pursuing his recruitment since immediately after acquiring the baseball team. A representative stated, "We listened to the voices of Incheon fans who wanted to recruit Choo Shin-soo," and said, "We began serious negotiations last week and recently finalized the contract."

Through the club, Choo Shin-soo said, "I unfortunately ended last season due to injury. Although several Major League teams offered good conditions, I found it hard to erase my longing for the KBO League." He added, "Going to Korea is a decision that will be a new turning point in my baseball career, so I thought about it a lot," and said, "The direction and sincerity of Shinsegae Group were a great help in my decision."

Choo Shin-soo will return to Korea through Incheon International Airport at 5:35 p.m. on the 25th. He will undergo two weeks of self-quarantine and then join the team.

Choo Shin-soo signed with the Major League Seattle Mariners in 2001 while attending Busan High School and challenged the big leagues. He improved his skills in the minor leagues and debuted in the big leagues in 2005. Over sixteen seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, and others, he recorded a career batting average of 0.275, 218 home runs, and 782 RBIs. He set records for the most home runs and RBIs by an Asian player in Major League Baseball and concluded his big league journey.