# KBO home run race competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kbo-home-run-race-competition
> Updated: 2026-08-23T08:34:23.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In the 2026 KBO season, KIA Tigers outfielder Kim Do-young emerged as a leader in the home run race. Initially, Kim held a lead with 30 home runs, facing close competition from LG Twins hitter Austin Dean and KT Wiz’s Sam Hilliard. Concerns regarding Kim’s season totals were raised due to his potential absence for the 2026 Asian Games.

By late August, Kim reached 38 home runs, tying his personal single-season record. This milestone occurred despite a recent incident where he was struck in the elbow by a high-velocity pitch. With this performance, Kim moved closer to potentially breaking the record for the youngest player to reach 40 home runs in a single season.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-23: Kim Do-young hits 38th home run to tie personal record

KIA Tigers' Kim Do-young tied his personal single-season record with his 38th home run, despite recently being hit by a high-speed pitch. Kiwoom Heroes later secured a dramatic 8-7 comeback win.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-do-young-hits-38th-home-run-to-tie-personal-record

### 2026-07-29: Kim Do-young and Austin Dean battle for KBO home run crown

Kim Do‑young (KIA) leads the KBO home‑run race with 30, while Austin Dean (LG) follows with 31, both adding recent homers as the season nears its finish; Kim’s Asian Games selection could impact the race.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kim-do-young-and-austin-dean-battle-for-kbo-home-run-crown

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Cite as: KBO home run race competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kbo-home-run-race-competition