Seoul, South Korea – LG Twins captain Park Hae-min has been recognized for his impact both on and off the field, receiving the “Most Influential Baseball Player” award at the 2026 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards. The LG Twins organization announced the honor on April 30, 2026, highlighting the strong support Park receives, particularly from younger female fans.
The Brand Customer Loyalty Awards are based on the Brand Customer Loyalty Index (BCLI), developed jointly by the Korea Consumer Forum and global consulting firm Brand Keys. The BCLI measures brand loyalty through consumer surveys, identifying leading brands across various sectors. This year’s consumer survey involved a record 620,000 participants and 1.9 million data points, making the awards particularly significant.
Park Hae-min achieved the highest score among all baseball players surveyed, solidifying his position as the most influential player in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) for 2026. The data revealed a striking demographic among his supporters: 85% of those who voted for Park were female, with a significant concentration within the younger age groups – 47% aged in their 20s, 20% in their 30s and 18% in their teens. This demonstrates a particularly strong connection with a younger female fanbase.
The award recognizes not only Park’s athletic prowess but also his broader influence. The LG Twins held a ceremony honoring Park prior to their game against the KT Wiz on April 18th at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. During the ceremony, Park expressed his gratitude, stating, “It feels even more meaningful to be selected through the votes of the fans. As the fans have chosen, I will work hard to create better performances on the field and a more positive influence off the field.”
Park’s leadership extends beyond the baseball diamond. He has increasingly taken on a mentorship role within the LG Twins organization, following the departure of Kim Hyun-soo, who signed a contract with the KT Wiz after previously embodying a similar leadership position. Park emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency, particularly after the team’s successful 2024 season where they secured their fourth overall championship.
Looking ahead, the LG Twins are aiming for a historic repeat championship in the KBO League. Securing back-to-back titles is a rare feat in modern Korean baseball, last achieved by the Doosan Bears in 2015 and 2016. The team has demonstrated its commitment to success by re-signing all three foreign players and securing Park Hae-min with a four-year, 6.5 billion Korean won contract. LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop expressed confidence in the team’s preparation for the upcoming season.
Park Hae-min’s influence isn’t limited to the KBO. He recently discussed the importance of maintaining focus with players from the Hanwha Eagles, a team expected to be a strong competitor in the 2026 season. He even reached out to 19-year-old rookie Oh Jae-won, offering to provide guidance and support. Park also extended a similar offer to Moon Hyun-bin, encouraging him to reach out with any questions.
The LG Twins are currently enjoying a six-game winning streak, most recently defeating the SSG Landers 4-3 in a come-from-behind victory on April 11, 2026. Park Hae-min played a crucial role in that win, delivering a key two-run double in the eighth inning to reverse the score. This recent success has positioned the LG Twins at the top of the KBO League standings.
Park Hae-min’s dedication to the sport and his connection with fans have established him as a prominent figure in Korean baseball. His recent award is a testament to his on-field performance and his growing influence as a role model for aspiring athletes and fans alike. The LG Twins will continue their season with their next scheduled game on May 3rd against the Kia Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field.
Key Takeaways:
- Park Hae-min’s award highlights his popularity, particularly among young female fans.
- The LG Twins are focused on repeating their championship success from 2024.
- Park Hae-min is taking on a greater leadership role within the team and the KBO.
Fans can follow Park Hae-min and the LG Twins for official updates on the KBO League website and the LG Twins’ official social media channels. The team’s schedule and results can be found at KBO League Official Website.
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