SSG Landers Veteran Noh Kyung-eun Receives 2025 KBO Fair Play Award – A Testament to Sportsmanship
Seoul, South Korea – December 5, 2025 – In a heartwarming announcement that resonates throughout the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) League, SSG Landers’ seasoned relief pitcher Noh Kyung-eun has been awarded the 2025 KBO Fair Play Award. This prestigious honor recognizes not just athletic prowess, but the embodiment of integrity and respect both on and off the field – qualities increasingly vital in today’s competitive sports landscape. This is breaking news for KBO fans and a significant moment for the league’s commitment to ethical play.
A Career Built on Respect and Responsibility
At 41, Noh Kyung-eun stands as a pillar of experience within the Landers’ bullpen. The KBO cited his “sincere attitude and responsible attitude” as key factors in their decision, highlighting the trust he’s earned from teammates, coaches, and the passionate KBO fanbase. This isn’t simply about avoiding controversy; it’s about consistently demonstrating a commitment to the spirit of the game. For those following Korean baseball, Noh Kyung-eun’s name is synonymous with reliability and a quiet dignity that sets him apart.
The Significance of the KBO Fair Play Award
Established in 2001, the KBO Fair Play Award isn’t a lifetime achievement award, but a current recognition of exemplary conduct. It’s designed to elevate the image of the KBO League by showcasing players who prioritize sportsmanship and accept game decisions with grace. In an era often dominated by heated competition and scrutiny, the award serves as a powerful reminder of the values that underpin the sport. This award is a key component of the KBO’s ongoing SEO strategy to promote positive sportsmanship and attract a wider audience through Google News and other search platforms.
A Legacy of Fair Play: Past Winners
Noh Kyung-eun joins a distinguished group of past recipients, including names like Park Jin-man (2001), Kim Hye-seong (2023), and Won Tae-in (2024). Looking back at the list of winners reveals a consistent thread: players who consistently demonstrate respect for the game, their opponents, and the umpires. Here’s a complete list of past winners for context:
| Year | Player Name (Team) |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Park Jin-man (Hyundai) |
| 2002 | Hansoo Kim (Samsung) |
| 2003 | Choi Ki-moon (Lotte) |
| 2004 | Kim Ki-tae (SK) |
| 2005 | Tae-gyun Kim (Hanwha) |
| 2006 | Dae-ho Lee (Lotte) |
| 2007 | Lee Soong-yong (Hyundai) |
| 2008 | Seokmin Yoon (KIA) |
| 2009 | Kang Bong-gyu (Samsung) |
| 2010 | Hyeonjong Yang (KIA) |
| 2011 | Seonwoo Kim (Doosan) |
| 2012 | Seokmin Park (Samsung) |
| 2013 | Yongtaek Park (LG) |
| 2014 | Seung-Rak Son (Nexen) |
| 2015 | Cha Woo-chan (Samsung) |
| 2016 | Jae-ho Kim (Doosan) |
| 2017 | Yu Han-jun (kt) |
| 2018 | Gwanghyeon Kim (SK) |
| 2019 | Chae Eun-seong (LG) |
| 2020 | Seongbeom Na (NC) |
| 2021 | Go Youngpyo (KT) |
| 2022 | Jiyoung Lee (Kiwoom) |
| 2023 | Kim Hye-seong (Kiwoom) |
| 2024 | Won Tae-in (Samsung) |
| 2025 | Noh Kyeong-eun (SSG) |
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sportsmanship in the KBO
Noh Kyung-eun will formally receive the Fair Play Award at the KBO Golden Glove Awards ceremony on December 9th. His recognition serves as an inspiration to younger players and a reminder that success in baseball – and in life – isn’t solely measured by statistics, but by the character you display. As the KBO League continues to grow in popularity, both domestically and internationally, maintaining a strong emphasis on fair play will be crucial for attracting fans and fostering a positive sporting environment. Archyde.com will continue to cover the KBO League, bringing you the latest breaking news and insightful analysis.
