First Ground Home Run: Lee Jin-young Makes History in KBO 2026!

Kwon Sang-jae | 2026.05.08

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Hanwha Eagles outfielder Lee Jin-young rounds the bases after hitting a potential home run in the top of the sixth inning during Hanwha's game against the KIA Tigers at Gwangju Kia Champions Field on the 7th in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League. Courtesy of the Hanwha Eagles

Lee Jin-young of the Hanwha Eagles capitalized on a misplay by the defense to record his first inside-the-park home run.

On the 7th at Gwangju Kia Champions Field, Lee led off the top of the sixth with Hanwha leading 6-2 against the visiting KIA Tigers in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League. Facing KIA's second pitcher, Han Jae-seung, he ripped a deep shot to left field.

The ball hit near the left-field wall and caromed back into play. KIA left fielder Han Seung-yeon appeared to assume it had cleared the fence and did not pursue the play.

Lee watched the bounce briefly, then sprinted around second and third and slid home to score.

On the broadcast, it was difficult to tell whether the ball landed in the stands or rebounded off the wall, but the umpires and Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) scorers ruled it an inside-the-park home run.

KIA did not request a video review.

The homer was Lee's third inside-the-park of the season and the 105th home run of his career.