Seoul: Former All-Star outfielder Choo Shin-soo has been removed from the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot after failing to meet the minimum vote requirement.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the results of the Hall of Fame voting were announced by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). Out of 425 ballots submitted, candidates needed at least 75 percent of the votes, equating to 319 votes, to be elected. To remain on the ballot for another year, candidates needed to secure at least 5 percent, or 22 votes. Choo received only three votes, leading to his removal after just one year on the list. Despite this, he made history as the first South Korean to be nominated for the Hall of Fame.

Choo was among 11 first-time candidates who did not make the cut, including Ryan Braun, a former National League MVP, who received only 15 votes. In contrast, Carlos Beltran and Andruw Jones were selected with 358 and 333 votes, respectively. Players removed from the BBWAA ballot still have the opportunity for induction through the Veterans Committee, which includes Hall of Fame players, baseball executives, and media members.

Choo is recognized as the most successful South Korean-born position player in Major League Baseball history. Over a 16-year career with teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Texas Rangers, Choo achieved three 20-20 seasons, with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, and accumulated 218 home runs across 1,652 games. He once held the record for the most home runs by an Asian player in MLB history until surpassed by Shohei Ohtani in 2024. Choo's notable achievements include an All-Star selection in 2018 and setting a Texas Rangers franchise record by reaching base safely in 52 consecutive games.