Choi Hyung-woo of the KIA Tigers has set a new milestone in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League, becoming the first player ever to notch 1,700 career RBIs.

On June 24 at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, Choi faced Kiwoom Heroes starter Kim Yoon-ha in the top of the first inning, with one out and runners on first and second base. In that crucial moment, he hit his 14th home run of the season—a three-run shot that not only boosted the Tigers' offense but also marked his record-setting 1,700th RBI.

Previously holding 1,698 RBIs, Choi entered the history books as the sole member of the KBO’s 1,700 RBI club with his three-run blast in the game. No other player in KBO history has reached this figure.

In addition, Choi reached the 50 RBI mark for this season, achieving at least 50 RBIs for the 18th consecutive year. He is only the second player in league history to do so, following Choi Jeong of the SSG Landers.

Choi Hyung-woo currently ranks third all-time in games played in the KBO with 2,251 appearances. He stands fourth in career home runs with 409, and holds the top spot in RBIs, doubles (533), and total bases (4,323).

Despite Choi’s historic home run, the KIA Tigers surrendered a go-ahead homer to Lim Ji-yeol of the Kiwoom Heroes in the bottom of the sixth inning and failed to extend their six-game winning streak.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo = Yonhap News, KIA Tigers