Lee Joo-hyung, who made a surprising performance with an annual salary of 110 million won this year , recorded the highest annual salary increase in the team

Kiwoom Heroes Kim Hwi-jip (22) and Lee Ju-hyeong (23), who grew to the next level through last season, received treatment commensurate with their performance in salary negotiations. Those whose value has been recognized are building the foundation to lead Kiwoom’s future.

Kim Hwi-jip emerged as a key player in the infield last year, his third year as a professional. He mainly played third base and defense in the early part of the season, and started playing regularly as the starting shortstop from the middle of the season.

His batting was at its best since his debut. He appeared in 110 games and compiled a batting average of .249 with 92 hits, 8 home runs, 51 RBIs, a slugging percentage of .374, and an on-base percentage of .338. In particular, he hit eight batted balls over the fence, recording the most home runs on the team. He even has the slugging power to hit double-digit home runs in a single season.

Kim Hwi-jip, who showed growth, was recognized for his achievements by earning an annual salary in the hundreds of millions for the first time since his debut. He receives 110 million won, a 36 million won (48.6%) increase from last year's 74 million won. The club has expressed its expectations for Kim Hwi-jip's offensive and defensive performance this season.
Lee Joo-hyung, who changed from the LG Twins to the Kiwoom uniform through a trade in July last year, is also a promising player who has brought vitality to the team. He appeared in 69 games last season and led the team's offense with Kim Hye-seong and Ronnie Dawson, with a batting average of 0.326, 70 hits, 6 home runs, 36 RBI, and an OPS of 0.897.

Lee Joo-hyung also saw his annual salary increase significantly. He signed a contract with an annual salary of 66 million won for the 2024 season, recording the team's highest increase rate of 100% (33 million won).

Lee Joo-hyung, who showed performance exceeding expectations and earned the title ‘Lee Jeong-hoo’s successor,’ will be tested this year. He takes on the challenge of leading the team's offense and defense in his first full-time season, replacing Lee Jeong-hoo (26, San Francisco Giants), who succeeded in advancing to the U.S. Major League.

In addition to Kim Hwi-jip and Lee Joo-hyung, pitchers Lee Myung-jong (22, 60 million won) and Jang Jae-young (22), catcher Kim Dong-heon (20), and outfielder Park Soo-jong (25, 40 million won), who showed their potential, received the increased annual salary. Kiwoom provided clear motivation to the young players who will be responsible for the future of the team. 19가이드03