By Yoon Seungjin
Video = San Diego Padres' official YouTube Channel

Major League Baseball (MLB) player Kim Ha-seong, 28, of the San Diego Padres is the first Korean to win a Gold Glove.

Kim earned the honor at the utility spot of the National League as MLB on Nov. 5 announced this year's winners on its official website.

The Gold Glove Awards go to players who displayed superior performances in individual fielding at each position throughout the season.

Kim, who played shortstop last year, finished with a high .991 fielding percentage in his first season as second baseman.

"The most impressive aspect of Kim's season was how rarely he'd played second base before 2023 -- and how seamlessly he made the transition," MLB on Nov. 6 said. "Kim finished as a significant plus at all three positions (shortstop and second and third base)."

Kim is the second Asian to win the award. Ichiro Suzuki of Japan was the first, earning the honor 10 times while playing for the Seattle Mariners from 2001-10 in the American League.

Debuting on the MLB stage in 2021, Kim was runner-up for the Gold Glove for shortstop last year to Dansby Swanson, 29, who was with the Atlanta Braves at the time but joined the Chicago Cubs this past season.

"Most importantly, I am extremely pleased to have been able to promote Korean baseball in the Major Leagues and be a positive motivation for young Korean players, aspiring to join the Major Leagues in the future" Kim on Nov. 6 said via the official YouTube channel of his management agency Summit Management. "I will continue to strive my best to further brighten Korean baseball." 

San Diego Padres second baseman Kim Ha-seong was one of 20 Gold Glove winners as announced by MLB on Nov. 5, earning his at the utility spot in the National League. (MLB's official Facebook page)