Seoul: Eric Thames, the former MVP-winning star of the NC Dinos in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), has returned to South Korea, a place he fondly refers to as "my second home." On Monday, Thames participated in the launch of "MLB Breakfast Club," a new Major League Baseball initiative aimed at engaging fans in South Korea by offering them the chance to watch big league action in the morning. He was joined by Kim Byung-hyun, a former South Korean pitcher, and Dustin Nippert, an American pitcher with experience in both MLB and KBO.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Thames is scheduled to attend a KBO game between the Hanwha Eagles and the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on Tuesday. Expressing his affection for South Korea, Thames said, "I'm happy to be back in Korea. I try to make a trip once or twice a year. This is like my second home. It means a lot. I can't express that enough about how you guys welcome me back here. It means a lot to me from the bottom of my heart."

When asked about what draws him back to South Korea years after his playing stint, Thames amusingly cited "food" as a major factor, specifically highlighting his love for Korean meat, or "Gogi." He added, "I just love it. The weather. I love going to Busan, love going to the beach. My friends and I always pop over for four or five days and get some food and then go walk around. I've seen concerts and festivals here. I want to try to come to a concert."

Thames had a successful MLB career after dominating the KBO, where he hit 124 home runs and achieved a .349/.451/.721 batting line in 390 games. In 2017, he hit a career-high 31 home runs with the Milwaukee Brewers and continued in the big leagues for three more seasons before playing in Japan in 2021 and the U.S. minor leagues in 2022.

Thames' successful transition back to MLB after a stint in the KBO set a precedent for other players. "Like 15, 20 years ago, playing in the KBO after MLB was seen as like your career was over," he remarked. "But nowadays, it can jumpstart your career. So I've talked on the phone with many players. I've met up with them to talk about my experience here because they're excited to come. Everybody wants to come play in the KBO."

Thames remains engaged with the KBO, watching highlights on social media and supporting South Korea at the World Baseball Classic earlier this year. "Actually, fans send me a lot of videos from KBO games," he shared. "It's nice being in the hotel here. I'm watching a lot of baseball. I miss it."

Due to his short visit, Thames won't be able to travel outside Seoul to see his former team, the Dinos, in action. They are currently playing in Daegu and will return to their home ground in Changwon later this week. However, Thames hinted at a possible return if the Dinos make it to the playoffs, recalling his visit to a Dinos game last August.