Choo Shin-soo's Tearful Farewell: How Korea's Baseball Legend Was Sent Off by Family, Fans, and Fandom

A Farewell Decades in the Making

Did you know? Choo Shin-soo, known as the 'Choo Choo Train,' finally received the emotional sendoff he missed in the MLB due to the pandemic. On June 14, 2025, SSG Landers Field was packed with 23,000 fans for his retirement ceremony after a storied 20-year career spanning both the Major Leagues and KBO. Choo, who had always wanted to end his career with a smile, couldn’t hold back tears as he thanked fans for welcoming him like family, especially after returning from 21 years in the U.S. The ceremony included heartfelt messages from teammates, MLB stars Adrian Beltre and Cole Hamels, and a moving family tribute on the field.

Legacy Beyond Numbers: Choo's Impact in MLB and KBO

Choo’s career is a blueprint for aspiring Korean players. With 16 MLB seasons (Seattle, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Texas), he racked up a .275 average, 218 home runs, and 157 stolen bases, becoming the second-highest Asian home run hitter in MLB history. His 2020 MLB farewell was muted by COVID-19, but his KBO years with SSG Landers (2021-2024) were marked by leadership and a 2022 championship. Choo’s stats—54 home runs, .263 average in 439 KBO games—are impressive, but his influence on and off the field, especially mentoring younger players, is his true legacy.

The Ceremony: Family, Friends, and Baseball Royalty

Choo’s retirement event was more than a formality—it was a festival. His wife, Ha Won-mi, threw the ceremonial first pitch, his daughter Sohee batted, and his sons stood on bases, symbolizing the journey of his career. SSG teammates wore his number 17 and ‘CHOO’ on their jerseys, and a video montage featured tributes from legends like Kim Kwang-hyun, Choi Jung, Lee Dae-ho, and Ryu Hyun-jin. Even Lotte Giants fans, from Choo’s hometown Busan, joined in the applause, reflecting the respect he commands across all fandoms.

Korean Baseball’s Unique Fandom: More Than Just a Game

If you’ve never been to a KBO game, you might be surprised by the electric atmosphere. Korean baseball is famous for its ‘cheer culture’—synchronized songs, chants for every player, and cheerleaders leading the crowd between innings. The stadium feels like a concert, with fans waving balloons, wearing team colors, and even donning quirky items like Lotte’s orange plastic bags. Food is part of the fun: chicken, beer, and street snacks are delivered right to your seat, making every game a social event. This culture is a key reason the KBO now attracts record crowds, especially young women and fans in their 20s.

Community Reactions: Tears, Cheers, and Lasting Memories

Online and in the stands, the reaction to Choo’s farewell was overwhelmingly positive. On Naver and Daum, fans reminisced about his MLB highlights and thanked him for inspiring a generation. Comments like ‘You made Korea proud!’ and ‘Thank you for coming home’ dominated, though some lamented that his MLB exit wasn’t as grand. On DC Inside and PGR21, fans debated his legacy, with most agreeing that his humility and leadership set a new standard. The balance of comments was about 80% positive, with a few critical voices focusing on his late-career performance.

Cultural Insight: Why Choo’s Farewell Resonates in Korea

For foreign fans, it’s important to understand the emotional weight of a Korean baseball retirement. Unlike in the U.S., where farewells can be subdued, Korean ceremonies are collective celebrations. The blending of family, fandom, and ritual reflects Confucian values of respect and gratitude. Choo’s tears weren’t just personal—they echoed the pride and affection of millions of fans who saw him as a symbol of Korean excellence abroad. His story is also a reminder of how sports in Korea are deeply intertwined with national identity and community.

The Next Chapter: Choo’s Promise to Korean Baseball

Choo may have retired as a player, but his journey isn’t over. Now serving as SSG Landers’ assistant owner and head of player development, he’s committed to nurturing the next generation. In his farewell, he urged young players to play with confidence and not to worry about the future. Fans are already speculating about his impact on coaching and front-office innovation. As Choo said, ‘My passion as a player is gone, but a new passion to help Korean baseball is just beginning.’

A Night to Remember: The Power of Korean Baseball Fandom

Choo Shin-soo’s retirement wasn’t just about one player—it was a showcase of what makes Korean baseball special. The blend of personal stories, community spirit, and fan-driven spectacle is unmatched. For international fans, witnessing such a sendoff is a window into Korea’s vibrant sports culture, where every ending is also a new beginning. If you ever get the chance, don’t miss a KBO game—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.