How Did Sung Young-tak Silence the League? The Miracle Behind KIA’s 10th Round Rookie and His Record-Breaking Run

A Rookie’s Dream: Sung Young-tak’s Meteoric Rise

Did you know that Sung Young-tak, a name barely whispered during the 2024 KBO rookie draft, is now the hottest topic in Korean baseball? Drafted 96th overall in the 10th round, Sung started his professional journey as a developmental player with a modest signing bonus of just 30 million KRW. Yet, within months, he’s become the KIA Tigers’ bullpen hero, rewriting club history and captivating fans across the league. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the unpredictable magic of baseball.

Breaking the Legend: Surpassing Cho Gye-hyun’s Record

On June 19, 2025, Sung Young-tak etched his name into KIA Tigers lore by pitching 15⅔ consecutive scoreless innings since his debut, breaking the previous record held by legendary pitcher Cho Gye-hyun, who set the mark at 13⅔ innings back in 1989. Sung’s performance wasn’t just about numbers—it was about poise under pressure. Facing KT Wiz’s heart of the order, including the red-hot Ahn Hyun-min, Sung needed only two pitches to induce a flyout, then dispatched two more batters with clinical efficiency. His fastball, curve, and cutter kept hitters guessing, and his 79% strike rate (15 out of 19 pitches) demonstrated his aggressive, fearless approach.

Numbers That Tell a Story: The Advanced Metrics

What makes Sung’s run even more remarkable are his underlying statistics. As of his latest outing, he boasts a batting average against of just .148, a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.89, and an OPS against (on-base plus slugging) of 0.418. These are elite numbers for any pitcher, let alone a rookie. While his inherited runner scored percentage (IRS) sits at 50%, he’s recently shut the door on all three inherited runners, showing growth in high-leverage situations. His arsenal—anchored by a sharp two-seam fastball, cutter, and curve—has proven effective against seasoned KBO hitters.

From Obscurity to Spotlight: The Road Less Traveled

Sung’s path to the KBO spotlight was anything but conventional. After graduating from Busan High School, he spent most of 2024 in the Futures League, refining his craft and waiting for a chance. His early season stats in the minors were unremarkable, but a strong showing in April and May, including several solid starts, earned him a first-team call-up on May 20. Since then, he’s seized every opportunity, delivering scoreless outings and earning the trust of manager Lee Beom-ho, who now sees him as a go-to option in close games.

Community Buzz: Fans and Media React

Korean baseball communities like Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 have exploded with reactions to Sung’s emergence. Positive comments outnumber negative ones by a wide margin, with fans praising his calm demeanor, sharp command, and underdog story. Representative comments include: “Where did KIA find this gem?” and “He pitches like a seasoned pro!” Some skeptics caution that the sample size is small, but the prevailing sentiment is excitement and hope for his continued success. Media outlets have dubbed him the ‘miracle of 30 million KRW’ and a ‘bullpen savior.’

Cultural Insight: Why This Story Resonates in Korea

To truly understand Sung Young-tak’s impact, international fans should know that Korean baseball places immense value on overcoming adversity and humble beginnings. The KBO’s draft system means late-round picks rarely get the spotlight, and developmental players often toil in obscurity. Sung’s rise from the 10th round to breaking a 36-year-old club record embodies the Korean spirit of grit and resilience. His story has inspired not just KIA fans but baseball enthusiasts nationwide, reminding everyone that legends can emerge from the most unlikely places.

Looking Ahead: Can the Streak Continue?

With his scoreless streak now the fourth-longest in KBO history (behind only Kim In-bum, Cho Yong-jun, and Park No-joon), all eyes are on Sung as KIA faces SSG Landers in the upcoming weekend series. Analysts are eager to see if he can extend his run and perhaps challenge the league record of 19⅔ innings. Regardless of what happens next, Sung Young-tak’s emergence has already become one of the defining stories of the 2025 KBO season.

A New Hero for KIA—and for Korean Baseball

Sung Young-tak’s journey is more than just a statistical anomaly; it’s a cultural phenomenon. For international fans, his story is a window into the passion, unpredictability, and drama that make Korean baseball unique. Whether you’re a seasoned KBO follower or a newcomer, keep your eyes on Sung Young-tak—the rookie rewriting history, one scoreless inning at a time.