KBO's ERA, strikeout champion wins top S. Korean pitching award

Doosan Bears' Gwak Been emerged as the top pitcher in the 2026 Korean baseball league, earning the prestigious Choi Dong-won Award. The award, named after the late former pitcher of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), has been bestowed upon the league's best hurler since 2014. The selection committee unanimously endorsed Gwak, receiving first-place votes from six out of its seven members.

Throughout the 2026 season, Gwak showcased an impressive performance, going 11-7 in 27 starts, while pitching a remarkable 2.24 ERA and amassing 197 strikeouts. Notably, he was the sole starter who maintained an ERA below 3.00 during the season. Gwak's exceptional skills were on full display as he led Korea to a gold medal victory at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in September.

In the gold medal game against Japan, Gwak allowed just a single run in his two starts, contributing to the team's triumph with 19 strikeouts. To be eligible for the Choi Dong-won Award, a player must have pitched at least 25 starts, thrown 180 innings, secured 12 wins, struck out 150 batters, compiled 15 quality starts, maintain a sub-3.00 ERA, and for relievers, record 35 saves.

Although Gwak missed the win threshold, his outstanding pitching skills ultimately secured his position as the 2026 Choi Dong-won Award winner.