Korea's leading ace, Ko Young-pyo (33), caught attention after signing a multi-year contract. This was Go Young-pyo taken in front of Janganmun (North Gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress), a site of Joseon Dynasty history revealed by KT Wiz.

Not only the KT Wiz, but also Korea's leading ace Go Young-pyo signed a non-FA multi-year contract with KT on the 25th for a total of 10.7 billion won over 5 years (guarantees 9.5 billion won, options 1.2 billion won). He became the first player in KT club history to sign a non-FA multi-year contract. In addition, Ko Young-pyo will be able to continue his career as a player under more stable conditions by accompanying KT until the 2028 season.

KT said about Ko Young-pyo, "He joined KT after being drafted in the 2nd first round (10th overall) in the 2014 rookie draft. As a founding member, Ko Young-pyo pitched in 231 games over a total of 7 seasons and recorded 55 wins and 50 losses. , recorded 7 holds. He won double-digit wins as a starter for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023. During this period, he recorded 15.87 WAR (win contribution relative to replacement) and 63 quality starts (3 earned runs or less in 6 innings as a starter). He emphasized, “By ranking first in each category, he has established himself as a pitcher representing the KBO League.” “Also, Ko Young-pyo is a franchise pitcher who holds club records in various categories, including the most starts in the club’s history (127 games), most wins (55 wins), most innings (920⅔ innings), and most shutouts (4).” explained.

The KT club issued a press release and also revealed the energetic appearance of Go Young-pyo. What caught the eye was the sight of Go Young-pyo standing in front of Janganmun Gate, one of the symbols of Suwon.

So how did the late Youngpyo go to Janganmun Gate and take a commemorative photo of his multi-year contract? In fact, a video was posted on the club's official YouTube channel on the 24th, a day before his contract was signed. While Go Young-pyo is in the midst of off-season training, Eom Sang-baek and So Hyeong-jun are seen having a conversation. 

However, while talking about Go Young-pyo's future, the expressions 'KT Wiz's life' and 'Suwon pillar' came up. So Hyeong-jun described Go Young-pyo as 'everything in Suwon', and in response, Go Young-pyo said, 'I will take charge of the gatekeeper of Jangan Gate.' Then, Eom Sang-baek and So Hyeong-jun gave good advice, telling them to protect ‘Changnyongmun Gate (East Gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress)’ and ‘Hwaseomun Gate (West Gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress).’

And the next day, their good wishes became reality as Go Young-pyo signed a multi-year contract with KT. And on the 25th, the day of the signing, club officials and Go Young-pyo visited Janganmun Gate and took a historic photo. Janganmun Gate was built in 1794, the 18th year of King Jeongjo’s reign, the 22nd king of Joseon. It was also the first gate that greeted the king of the Joseon Dynasty when he came from Hanyang (currently Seoul) to Suwon. Chang'an (now Xi'an, China) was the capital of China's former Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties, and was also used as a character symbolizing the well-being of the country and the peace of its people. Accordingly, King Jeongjo is said to have named the North Gate ‘Janganmun (長安門)’ in order to recreate the peaceful era of Jangan in Suwon Hwaseong Fortress.

Regarding taking a commemorative photo in front of Janganmun, a KT official said, "Go Young-pyo is a franchise star who will be with the club from the beginning to the end, and is a player who serves as a role model for the team both in baseball and outside of baseball." He added, "The franchise star and his number will be permanently retired. “As a player who has shown outstanding ability and performance, the club expressed its affection for him. He also expressed his wish to be with the Suwon KT Wiz forever as a gatekeeper for the region (Suwon) and the coexistence of the region,” he explained.

Go Young-pyo said about taking pictures in front of Janganmun Gate, "Janganmun Gate is a representative landmark of Suwon, the hometown, and I feel responsible for taking pictures after signing the contract. Actually, I was just talking about it to make it fun on YouTube, but the front desk took advantage of it. Thank you." “I think it will be fun if FA players continue this tradition in the future,” he said. 

for more info check this :   벳사랑