Kansas city: Kansas City Royals prospect Um Hyungchan has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first South Korean catcher to play at the Double-A level in the U.S. minor leagues. Um took the field as the starting catcher for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals in a game against the Frisco RoughRiders at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Arkansas.

According to Yonhap News Agency, this noteworthy achievement was highlighted by the Royals' official player development social media account, which emphasized Um's unique position as the first South Korean to catch at this level. The 22-year-old athlete joined the Royals organization following his signing from Gyeonggi Commercial High School in Seoul in July 2022, marking the start of his journey through the ranks of professional baseball.

Um's connection to baseball extends through his family, with his father, Um Jong-soo, having played as a catcher for the Atlanta Braves' Class A-Advanced affiliate in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 2001. This makes the Ums the first South Korean father-son duo to be signed by a major league organization.

The younger Um began his professional career in the Rookie league in 2023, progressed to Single-A in 2024, and gained experience in the Australian Baseball League. His ascent continued as he reached High-A in July of this year, leading to his recent call-up to Double-A.

This season, prior to his promotion, Um participated in 76 games across two levels, achieving a batting average of .243/.358/.398, with nine home runs, 53 RBIs, and nine stolen bases. Defensively, he has maintained a 24 percent success rate in throwing out attempted base stealers. Ranked 29th among all Royals prospects by MLB.com last year, Um's abilities at the plate and behind it have drawn positive attention from scouts. His swing efficiency, line-drive power, and potential for further development as a major league catcher have been particularly noted, alongside his athleticism and arm strength.