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Seo Geon-chang, who graduated from elementary, middle, and high school in Gwangju, signs a contract with his hometown team KIA. “My goal is to join the team in winning the championship… “I will do anything.”

Veteran infielder Seo Geon-chang (35) is seeking a comeback with his hometown team, the KIA Tigers.

Seo Geon-chang, who was released from his team LG Twins in November of last year, took the hand extended by KIA after a long struggle. On the 15th, Seo Geon-chang signed a contract with KIA for a total of 120 million won (annual salary 50 million won, option 70 million won).

In a recent phone call with Newsis, Seo Geon-chang said, “Thank you for calling me from KIA. “I will do my best to live up to the opportunity given to me,” he said.

Seo Geon-chang, who first entered the first team in 2008, played only for LG and Kiwoom Heroes for 13 seasons. Although he has no experience wearing the KIA uniform in the past, Gwangju, the hometown of KIA, is Seo Geon-chang's hometown. Seo Geon-chang attended elementary, middle, and high school in Gwangju.

When asked why he decided to start anew with KIA, he said, “From the outside, I thought KIA was a strong team. He also said that the fact that he was born and raised in Gwangju as a child also influenced his contract.”
KIA was not the only one who wanted Seo Geon-chang. After Seo Geon-chang was released from LG, Kiwoom, his former team, was the first to offer to accompany him. During his time at Kiwoom, Seo Geon-chang enjoyed his prime by winning the Most Valuable Player and Golden Glove awards, as well as the titles of batting champion and most hits.

Kiwoom general manager Koh Hyeong-wook said, “I immediately contacted Seo Geon-chang after hearing the news of his release. He expressed his intention to recruit the player, saying, “I thought it would be good for him, the team, and the fans to join us, but the reunion never took place.”

Seo Geon-chang, who said, “I thought a lot about it,” said, “Kiwoom contacted me first and made a proposal. “Thank you for waiting even after time has passed,” he said. “After thinking about many things, I decided to choose KIA.”

KIA is paying attention to the use of Seo Geon-chang. KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak said, “We have the starting second baseman Kim Sun-bin, but he can be used as a backup resource,” and added, “He will also be able to serve as a playing coach for young juniors,” and looked forward to Seo Geon-chang’s role.

Seo Geon-chang said, “There will be something the team wants. Ready to do anything. “I will try to fill in the gaps in the team,” he pledged.

Last year, LG was thrilled to win the championship for the first time in 29 years, but Seo Geon-chang missed the entry and was unable to share the joy on site.

Seo Geon-chang has a strong desire to contribute to KIA's challenge of winning its first championship in seven years this year. He said, “The biggest goal is to join the team in winning the championship,” and “I think I need to go to spring camp and set other goals one by one. “We will gradually set goals and proceed,” he said. 19가이드03