KBO League home run race intensifies amid Kim Do-young's absence

The KBO League home run race has become increasingly competitive as the season nears its conclusion. LG Twins' Austin Dean has surged into contention, recording his 39th home run and trailing current leader Kim Do-young of the KIA Tigers by just one. Austin Dean has also set a new single-season home run record for the LG Twins franchise.

The race is further complicated by Kim Do-young's temporary absence from the league due to his selection for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games national team. While Kim holds 40 home runs, his participation in the tournament means he will be unavailable for several games, potentially allowing Austin Dean or KT Wiz's Sam Hilliard to overtake him.

Hilliard has also shown significant momentum, hitting his 36th home run recently and closing the gap on the leaders. With Kim Do-young away and other contenders finding their rhythm, the final determination of the home run title remains uncertain.