Name Changes

One unusual feature of Korean baseball is that each year, several under-performing players change their names, presumably hoping to reinvent themselves, start over, or simply distance themselves from their past performance. In 2013, a new high of 11 players changed their names (far above the 5 in 2012, 3 in 2011, and 4 in 2010).

Recent Name Changes

  • [2016] 김영민 => 김세현 (Kim Young-min => Kim Se-hyun)
  • [2016] 김영관 => 김지성 (Kim Young-gwan => Kim Ji-sung)
  • [2015] 이승화 => 이우민 (Lee Seung-hwa => Lee Woo-min)

“Successful” Name Changes

Although the cause may be disputed, the numbers don't lie. These players clearly did better after their name change. * [2015] 이학준 => 이시찬 (Lee Hak-jun => Lee Si-chan) * [2014] 김희걸 => 김건한 (Kim Hee-geol => Kim Gun-han) * [2013] 장효훈 => 장시환 (Jang Hyo-hun => Jang Si-hwan) * [2012] 전승윤 => 전유슈 (Jeon Seung-yoon => Jeon Yoo-soo) * [2012] 박정태 => 박근홍 (Park Jung-tae => Park Geun-hong) * [2010] 진민호 => 진해수 (Jin Min-ho => Jin Hae-soo) * [2009] 손광민 => 손아섭 (Son Gwang-min => Son Ah-seop)

“Unsuccessful” Name Changes

These players' name changes did not create a notable break in their careers (yet?). * [2014] 장기영 => 장민석 (Jang Ki-young => Jang Min-suk) * [2014] 김상현 => 김태영 (Kim Sang-hyun => Kim Tae-young) * [2012] 윤상균 => 윤요섭 (Yoon Sang-kyun => Yoon Yo-sup) * [2010] 박남섭 => 박준서 (Park Nam-seop => Park Jun-seo)

Other

  • [2015] 에릭 => 해커: Eric Hacker finally decided he wanted his last name on his jersey.

Note: The listed year denotes the first season in which the player used his new name.

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