Former Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu became the first pitcher to start both the Korea Baseball Organization and Major League Baseball All-Star games on Saturday. It was his first KBO All-Star Game appearance in 12 years.
Ryu signed an eight-year, 17 billion won ($12.8 million) contract to rejoin the Hanwha Eagles prior to this season, becoming the highest-paid player in the KBO.
“Hanwha Eagles made me what I am today so I feel thankful to it,” Ryu said in February, according to the club’s statement. “Since moving to the Major League, I’ve thought I would come back to Hanwha Eagles one day and return its favor … and I’m now happy that I can keep my word.