Why Park Yong-taek Chose to Stay a One-Club Man Despite Lucrative Offers

Park Yong-taek revealed why he chose to remain a one-club man despite receiving offers exceeding 3 billion won.

On the 23rd, KBS2's variety show 'Problem Child in House Season 2' (Episode 311) featured KBO legends and KBS baseball commentators Park Yong-taek and Kim Tae-kyun.

Appearing with impressive physiques, Park and Kim shared the behind-the-scenes story of the 'Crying Taek' incident. During the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Park, serving as a KBS commentator, was moved to tears by the national team's miraculous advancement to the quarterfinals after 17 years, earning him the nickname 'Crying Taek.' Park confessed, “I was embarrassed nationwide,” adding, “I received over 3,000 messages in a day. Friends say it's definitely menopause.” Kim humorously remarked, “Fake tears for ratings,” bringing laughter. Regarding Lee Jung-hoo's lucky necklace, Park commented, “It's pricey, so it's unlikely to trend in the KBO.”

Yang Se-chan posed an unexpected question that left Park and Kim in stitches, asking why baseball players favor gold necklaces and clutch bags, questioning the 'stereotypical fashion.' Park retorted, “I might hear I can't play baseball, but never that I can't dress well. No such players in the Twins.” Kim, wearing a gold necklace, sheepishly admitted, “I did carry a clutch bag. Backpacks don't suit my large frame.” Kim added, “In the Eagles, only players with five years or more can wear gold necklaces. It’s a dream for aspiring players.”

During the quiz segment, questions related to baseball were asked, such as 'Why have home runs per game increased in Major League Baseball since 2010?' and 'The performance that earned pitcher Bong Jung-keun the nickname 'Doctor Bong' during the 2009 WBC Korea-Japan match.'

The duo also took a moment to reflect on their baseball careers. Kim, who battled the 'perennial last place' title, recalled, “I shaved my head often during losing streaks. It didn’t improve skills, but doing nothing felt disrespectful to fans. From shaving to farmer fashion, I even slid intentionally to dirty my uniform.”

He continued, “As a team leader, I thought I shouldn’t show tension, so I maintained a calm demeanor, which led to criticism. My heart was always racing. After retiring, I felt at ease, and my insomnia disappeared.”

Park shared, “During my free agency, some teams offered 2-3 billion won more. I was tempted, but my dream was for people to think of Park Yong-taek when they think of the Twins. Following the money felt like abandoning my dream, so I chose to stay a one-club man.”

However, the seriousness was short-lived as Kim shared a sitcom-like anecdote, causing laughter. Kim recounted, “While preparing to bat at Sajik Stadium, I suddenly needed the restroom. I was sweating and felt chills. Thinking 'delaying is a disaster,' I swung at the first pitch, which turned into a home run. I was in the worst mood, wondering how to run.”

Song Eun-i quipped, “Shouldn’t you have slid then?” Kim replied, “I planned for that too. Luckily, I held it in and rushed past manager Kim In-sik’s high-five to the restroom. After that, I got the nickname 'Kim Urgent Poop.'”

Even Hong Jin-kyung, who admitted before filming, “I know nothing about baseball,” confessed, “Baseball is so fun. I didn’t know it was such an attractive sport.”

By Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr