Shin-Soo Choo Biography: Age, Wife, Kids, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Stats, Salary, Teams
Shin-Soo Choo, also known as the Korean Kid, is a South Korean former professional baseball player who established himself as one of the most successful Asian-born hitters in Major League Baseball (MLB). Playing primarily as an outfielder, he represented the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, and Texas Rangers.
Choo earned an MLB All-Star selection in 2018 and recorded three 20-home-run, 20-stolen-base seasons. After returning to South Korea, he played for the SSG Landers, winning a Korean Series championship in 2022 before retiring.
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| Name: | Shin-Soo Choo |
| Born: | July 13, 1982 (age 44 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Busan, South Korea |
| Nationality: | South Korean |
| Ethnicity: | Korean |
| Height: | 180 cm (5 feet 11 inches) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Choo So-min and Park Yu-jeon |
| Spouse: | Ha Won-mi |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Children: | 3 — Alan, Aiden, and Abigail |
| Occupation: | Former professional baseball player, baseball executive and player-development adviser |
| Net Worth: | $40 million |
Early life and education
Shin-Soo Choo was born on July 13, 1982, in Busan, South Korea. He is the son of Choo So-min and Park Yu-jeon and grew up in a family with baseball connections. His maternal uncle, Park Jeong-tae, was a prominent player for the Lotte Giants.
Choo is ethnically Korean, and his religion is Christianity. He attended Busan High School, where his performances established him as a promising young baseball talent.
In 2000, the Seattle Mariners signed him as an international amateur free agent, beginning his professional career in the United States.
Career
Shin-Soo Choo began his professional career in 2000 after signing with the Seattle Mariners. He progressed through the minor leagues before making his MLB debut on April 21, 2005.
After moving to the Cleveland Indians in 2006, he developed into a productive outfielder with a strong batting eye, power, and speed.
In 2009, Choo hit 20 home runs and stole 21 bases, becoming the first South Korean-born player to achieve a 20–20 season in MLB. He repeated the accomplishment in 2010 and 2013.
Following his time in Cleveland, he played for the Cincinnati Reds in 2013 before signing with the Texas Rangers in 2014. His best-known later MLB milestone came in 2018, when he earned his first All-Star selection.
Choo finished his MLB career with 1,671 hits, 218 home runs, 782 runs batted in, and 157 stolen bases. In 2021, he returned to South Korea to play for the SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
He helped the team win the Korean Series in 2022 and served as its captain in 2024. He announced his retirement after the 2024 season, with a formal retirement ceremony held in June 2025.
He subsequently took on an advisory and player-development role with the Landers.
Personal life
Shin-Soo Choo, 44 years old, is married to Ha Won-mi. The couple married in December 2004 and have three children: two sons, Alan and Aiden, and a daughter, Abigail.
Choo has spoken about the sacrifices his family made during his long playing career, particularly the time spent away from his children while competing in the United States.
He is also recognized for charitable contributions, including donations made during his final season in South Korea. His height is 180 cm (5 feet 11 inches).
Net worth
Shin-Soo Choo’s net worth is around $40 million USD. His wealth primarily comes from his long professional baseball career, including contracts with several MLB teams and his later playing years in South Korea.
His contract with the Texas Rangers was particularly significant to his career earnings. Additional financial benefits include endorsement opportunities and the retirement benefits associated with his years in Major League Baseball.
Beyond his playing income, Choo has remained involved in baseball through his advisory and player-development work with the SSG Landers.
Awards and achievements
- MLB All-Star: 2018
- Korean Series champion: 2022
- Three MLB 20–20 seasons: 2009, 2010, and 2013
- 2009 World Baseball Classic: Represented South Korea, which finished as runner-up
- 2010 Asian Games: Gold medal with South Korea
- SSG Landers captain: 2024
Notable teams
- Seattle Mariners
- Cleveland Indians
- Cincinnati Reds
- Texas Rangers
- SSG Landers
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