Kim Seung-woo Runs for President of Korea Little Baseball Federation

Actor Kim Seung-woo has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of the Korea Little Baseball Federation (KLB) on December 18. This marks his first foray into a public position, as he aims to lead the organization through the upcoming election.

A long-time baseball enthusiast, Kim expressed his motivation for running, stating, "I feel more than anyone the importance of Little Baseball as a valuable asset to Korean baseball."

Known in the entertainment industry as a significant baseball figure, Kim has played as a member of the celebrity baseball team 'Playboys' for 20 years, serving as both a player and team owner since 2005. He is recognized for his dedication, having undergone surgery for a torn ligament in his finger due to his intense playing style, which has earned him the reputation of a 'hustle player' in amateur baseball.

In addition to his athletic involvement, Kim is regarded as a savvy marketer within the baseball community. His team, the Playboys, secured a sponsorship deal with Mizuno, one of the world's largest sports equipment companies, in 2008. Furthermore, in 2011, they played a friendly match against a Japanese professional baseball OB team at Tokyo Dome, which was hailed as a groundbreaking achievement for celebrity baseball teams.

Kim also holds a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a master's degree in Sports Management from Suwon University, showcasing his expertise in sports management.

The KLB was officially established in 1990 after separating from the Korea Baseball Association (now the Korea Baseball Softball Association). Under the leadership of former presidents Han Young-kwan during the third to fifth terms, the organization experienced explosive growth, culminating in a victory at the Little League World Series in 2014.

However, following Han's departure after three terms, the KLB faced significant challenges. A representative from the Little Baseball community noted, "In the past four years, the impact of COVID-19 and a declining population have drastically reduced the number of players. The Korean Little Baseball has been severely diminished, especially after last year's scandal involving the registration of ineligible players, which led to international embarrassment. This election is crucial for the revival of Korean Little Baseball."

The upcoming election on December 18 will see Kim Seung-woo competing against Yoo Seung-an, who was elected as the sixth president of the KLB in January 2021 and is nearing the end of his four-year term.

Kim emphasized the need for change, stating, "It is time for Little Baseball, the future of Korean baseball, to undergo a transformation. The global decline in population is putting Little Baseball in jeopardy. I aim to address the issues of player recruitment, administrative challenges, and weakened international competitiveness to lead Little Baseball to a new leap forward."

His campaign promises have been met with positive feedback, being described as "very practical and realistic." Among his proposals are solutions for the dual registration issue for first-year middle school players, revitalization of international exchanges with Japan, Taiwan, and the U.S., expansion of sponsorship acquisition, transparent financial management, and improved player recruitment through extensive media engagement.

Kim stated, "Little Baseball is the future and a precious asset of Korean baseball. I will leverage my 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry and my extensive network to increase public interest in Little Baseball and contribute to enhancing the international competitiveness of Korean baseball."

This election marks the first time in KLB history that multiple candidates are running for the presidency, as previous elections typically featured a single candidate. The election campaign will conclude on December 17, with voting by national delegates determining the outcome on December 18.

In a recent Q&A, Kim addressed various questions regarding his candidacy:

Q: Some view your candidacy as surprising given the prominence of other sports organizations. Why did you choose to run for the KLB?

A: I come from a non-athlete background, but I have loved baseball my entire life and consider myself a 'baseball person' at heart. I have played amateur baseball for nearly 30 years. It saddens me that Korean baseball, once a formidable force against Japan, now struggles against Taiwan. Interest in Little Baseball has waned, and I want to use my abilities to boost its visibility and support young players.

Q: What do you see as the biggest issue facing Little Baseball today?

A: The most urgent issue is the dual registration problem for players entering middle school. The World Little Baseball Federation allows participation until the first year of middle school, but starting next year, players will be classified as dual registrants and may be barred from participating in Little Baseball. This could lead to team dissolutions due to player shortages.

Q: How do you plan to address these issues?

A: I will seek solutions that align with the World Little Baseball Federation's standards, including a grace period for first-year middle school players. I also plan to popularize Little Baseball through entertainment programs to increase interest, similar to how 'Soccer King Shoot Dori' boosted soccer's popularity.

Q: What specific measures will you take to enhance international competitiveness?

A: Revitalizing international exchanges, such as Little Baseball matches with Japan and the U.S., is key. I want young players to gain confidence through international experiences and build friendships through baseball. I also plan to assign dedicated staff for smooth communication with the World Little Baseball Federation to prevent past issues from recurring.

Q: How will you secure funding?

A: I am already in discussions with various entrepreneurs and companies for sponsorships. I will actively utilize my 30 years of connections in the entertainment industry. As public awareness of Little Baseball increases, attracting sponsors will become easier. I will act rather than just talk.

Q: What will be your first priority if elected?

A: Resolving the dual registration issue for middle school players will be my top priority. If the ban on dual registration takes effect in March, many teams could face extinction. I will begin discussions with relevant organizations immediately to find a reasonable solution. I will also address issues arising from allowing multiple teams in one area to ensure existing teams are not adversely affected. Additionally, I will quickly push for the resumption of international exchanges and sponsorship acquisition.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: As a baseball fan, I want to contribute to the future of Korean baseball. Little Baseball is our precious asset and future. I will pour all my abilities and passion into leading Little Baseball to a new leap forward. I am determined to restore the glory of Little Baseball. Recently, someone remarked that I should run for a more recognized sports organization instead of the KLB, suggesting it would be more impressive.

Q: What was your response?

A: I said, 'If it were a recognized position, I wouldn't have run. Since it's not, I thought, 'If I prepare harder, I can provide a better baseball environment for the kids.' For me, Little Baseball is more valuable than professional baseball. I have no intention of standing in the spotlight; I just want our players to experience the potential of Korean baseball firsthand.'

Q: What if you don't win?

A: It might be tough, but I will accept it. Regardless of who wins, I will support the development of Korean baseball in any way I can.