Seoul: Former All-Star outfielder Choo Shin-soo, known for his on-base skills and power-speed combination, has made history by becoming the first South Korean player nominated for the National Baseball Hall of Fame selection.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Choo, who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2005 to 2020, is among 12 new candidates for the 2026 Hall of Fame ballot announced by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). These candidates join 15 holdovers from the 2025 voting cycle. To be elected to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, players must earn 75 percent of the vote within 10 years and must receive at least 5 percent of the vote to remain on the ballot.

First-year candidates all last appeared in MLB in 2020. Choo is joined by notable players such as former World Series MVP Cole Hamels, ex-National League MVP Ryan Braun, and 2016 American League Cy Young winner Rick Porcello.

Choo began his professional baseball career after signing with the Seattle Mariners out of high school as a pitcher. He made his MLB debut in 2005 as an outfielder. After two partial seasons with the Mariners, Choo was traded to the Cleveland Indians (now known as the Guardians) in July 2006.

During his time with Cleveland, Choo achieved consecutive 20-20 seasons, hitting 20 homers and stealing 21 bases in 2009, followed by 22 homers and 22 steals in 2010. In 2013, while with the Cincinnati Reds, Choo hit 21 home runs, stole 20 bases, drew 112 walks, and scored 107 runs as the team's leadoff hitter.

This success led to a seven-year, US$130 million contract with the Texas Rangers before the 2014 season. Choo had four 20-homer campaigns with the Rangers and earned his only All-Star selection in 2018, setting a franchise record by reaching base safely in 52 consecutive games. In 2015, he became the first Asian-born player to hit for the cycle in MLB.

Over his MLB career, Choo played in 1,652 games, batting .275/.377/.447 with 218 home runs, 782 RBIs, and 157 steals. He once held the record for most home runs by an Asian player in MLB history, until Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers surpassed him in 2024.

Choo concluded his professional career with the SSG Landers in the Korea Baseball Organization from 2021 to 2024. He currently serves as a special adviser to the Landers' ownership group and oversees their player development.

The BBWAA's voting results will be announced on January 20 at 6 p.m. Eastern time.