On December 10, 2012, history was made as the first player in KBO history to enter Major League Baseball via the posting system was announced. That player was none other than Hanwha Eagles' ace, Ryu Hyun-jin.

* Posting system: A method of recruiting players from overseas leagues (excluding MLB), where MLB teams bid for the right to negotiate with the player through a sealed bid process.

Ryu’s posting fee was the fourth highest ever for an Asian player, drawing significant attention in both Korea and the United States. It surpassed Japanese baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki's $13.12 million, reaching a staggering $25.73 million (approximately 33.8 billion KRW). This was particularly astonishing considering the previous highest posting fee for a Korean player was Lim Chang-yong’s $650,000, and no Korean player had successfully transitioned to MLB. Ryu’s subsequent six-year, $36 million (approximately 50 billion KRW) contract, which included a no-minor-league clause, further stunned experts and fans alike.

* Under the then-current posting system, the team with the highest bid had exclusive negotiation rights. If negotiations failed, the player’s MLB entry for that year would be nullified, making it a system heavily favoring the clubs and challenging for players to secure high salaries.

 

Despite the high price tag, there were concerns about Ryu’s potential success from the outset. While his spring training stats were solid, his struggles in routine team activities and language barriers cast doubt on his future. However, Ryu quickly proved himself in his debut season.

MLB Debut - April 2, 2013 vs. SF

# MLB Debut - April 2, 2013 vs. SF

※ Ryu Hyun-jin’s debut game highlights vs. SF (source: MBC SPORTS+)

With the Dodgers' rotation crippled by injuries, Ryu was thrust into the second starter role behind ace Clayton Kershaw, facing Madison Bumgarner of the San Francisco Giants. Despite giving up 10 hits, Ryu allowed only one run over 6.1 innings with five strikeouts, earning praise for his resilient performance, even though he took the loss against a dominant Bumgarner.

# First MLB Win - April 7, 2013 vs. PITS

Ryu’s start was shaky, giving up his first MLB home run to Pittsburgh’s Andrew McCutchen in the first inning. However, he settled down, allowing only one run over 6.1 innings with six strikeouts, and giving up just three hits. With support from the offense, Ryu secured his first major league win in his second start. After the game, Clayton Kershaw congratulated him, saying,

“It took me two months to get my first MLB win, and you did it in just two games. That’s incredible.”

# First MLB Hit - April 13, 2013 vs. ARI

※ 류현진의 3타수 3안타 하이라이트(출처 : MLB)

In the second game of a series against Arizona, Ryu shone on both the mound and at the plate. Despite the team’s mood being down after an embarrassing loss the previous day, Ryu delivered a quality start with six innings, nine strikeouts, and three earned runs. Impressively, he also went 3-for-3 at the plate, including his first MLB hit, a double off ace Ian Kennedy, earning him the nickname “Babe Ryuth.”

* After the game, the Dodgers' social media team tweeted hashtags like #RyulMondesi, #StanRyusial, and #BabeRyuth, playing on the names of legendary hitters, solidifying Ryu’s new moniker.

# First MLB Shutout - May 28, 2013 vs. LAA

※ 류현진의 첫 완봉승, vs LAA 하이라이트(출처 : SPOTV 오리지널)

A shutout, where the pitcher completes all nine innings without allowing a run, is a significant achievement, and Ryu managed this feat in just his 11th MLB start. Against the Angels, he allowed only two hits and no walks through the ninth inning, retiring 19 consecutive batters at one point. His fastball, previously criticized for its low velocity, reached 94 mph in the ninth inning. Broadcast nationally by ESPN, this game firmly planted Ryu’s name in the minds of American fans.

* The ESPN website later featured an article titled "RYU CAN DO" celebrating his performance.

# First Postseason Win - October 14, 2013 vs. STL

※ NLCS 첫 승리, vs STL 하이라이트(출처 : MBC SPORTS+)

After a shaky postseason debut against Atlanta, Ryu faced immense pressure in Game 3 of the NLCS against St. Louis. With the Dodgers down 0-2 in the series and facing ace Adam Wainwright, Ryu delivered a clutch performance, pitching seven scoreless innings with four strikeouts, securing his first postseason win and the first by a Korean pitcher in MLB playoffs.

Dodgers fans’ respect for Ryu was evident when manager Don Mattingly visited the mound in the seventh inning to check if he could continue pitching. Fans, fearing he would be pulled, erupted in chants of "No! Mattingly! No! Let him finish! DON, No! One more round! Let's stay!" capturing their trust in Ryu’s abilities.

※ 류현진 선수가 투수로 더 던지길 원하며 오열하는 팬들(출처 : StadiumBound)

 

"99 points."

This was Ryu’s self-assessment of his debut season. He finished with a 14-8 record, a 3.00 ERA, 192 innings pitched, and 22 quality starts, performing at an ace level as the Dodgers’ second or third starter. Facing off against top pitchers like Ian Kennedy and Adam Wainwright, Ryu never backed down, announcing the arrival of a new Korean ace in MLB.

"Do you know why more home runs are hit off breaking balls than fastballs? They are harder to hit, but when hit, the extra spin makes them fly farther. If you're facing a challenging breaking ball in life, congratulations. You've been given a great chance to hit a home run."
- Ryu Hyun-jin, former MLB pitcher, current Hanwha Eagles pitcher

 

Following Ryu’s success, several Korean players, including Kang Jung-ho, Park Byung-ho, Oh Seung-hwan, Kim Hyun-soo, Lee Dae-ho, and Kim Kwang-hyun, have made their way to MLB. More recently, Kim Ha-seong and Lee Jung-hoo signed contracts exceeding $100 million, thanks to the path Ryu blazed.

Now back with the Hanwha Eagles, Ryu expressed his desire to return to his home fans while he still has some ability left. Despite a shaky start, he’s gradually showing the form that earned him the nickname “Korean Monster.” Can he complete the puzzle for his 100th KBO win on April 24?

 

Discover more Treasures from
E-Land Museum on Instagram