Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu is a household name in South Korea. He’s been with the team since 2013 and is a favorite to win the Cy Young award this year, according to NBC news.
Through the sport, he has united the Korean American community in Los Angeles.
According to a 2010 census, Los Angeles County has the highest population of Koreans of any county in the U.S. Because Ryu plays for the Dodgers, a Los Angeles team, he is undoubtedly a source of pride for both Koreans and Korean Americans.
“Ryu allows Koreans and Korean Americans to have a sense of unity, pride and connection to one another,” said Henry Kim, a Los Angeles nurse.
Ryu sat out in 2015 and 2016 because of injuries, but he bounced back in 2018 and was the winning pitcher in Game 3 Sunday in the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, according to Yonhap News. He has stated that he is willing to pitch out of the bullpen.
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Because of his tall and bulky stature, he also debunks the stereotypes surrounding Asian masculinity. Korean fans and Dodgers fans alike are excited to see the continuing success of Ryu this season.
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