Kim Do-young nears KBO youngest 40-home run record

KIA Tigers infielder Kim Do-young is on the verge of setting a new record for the youngest player to hit 40 home runs in the KBO League. After hitting his 39th home run of the season, Kim needs just one more to reach the milestone.

A recent controversy regarding the registered birth date of former record holder Lee Seung-yeop briefly cast doubt on whether Kim had already passed the age requirement. However, the KBO clarified that records will be recognized based on the previously registered birth dates, granting Kim until September 6 to achieve the feat.

The home run race has intensified following recent performances by both Kim and LG Twins' Austin Dean. While Dean recently hit his 34th home run, Kim's 39th blast has set a new personal single-season high. If Kim reaches 40, he will become the first player in KIA Tigers history to achieve that mark.