Hyeseong Kim confronts rookie-season struggles head-on in brutally honest message to Dodgers fans

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed utility man Hyeseong Kim last offseason after he was posted by the Kiwoom Heroes. The South Korean star shared an honest message about his rookie season struggles.

Although Kim had a successful end to his rookie season after winning his first World Series ring as the Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in the Fall Classic, the former KBO star thought he let down fans with his performances.

“I didn’t do my best this year, but thank you for your support,” Kim said. “Next year I’ll improve so I can show my face to fans at the ballpark more often. Thank you.”

Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers in January. He started the season with Triple-A's Oklahoma City Comets after struggling in spring training.

He was called up to the Dodgers roster in May and made his debut as a defensive replacement against the Atlanta Braves. Kim played 71 games in his rookie season, batting .280 and posting a .314 OBP and a .384 slugging percentage for a .699 OPS. He smashed three home runs and recorded 17 RBIs in 161 at-bats.

Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim landed in controversy over his father's reported debt

Following the World Series triumph, Hyeseong Kim landed in controversy after an unnamed person brought up his father's debt during an incident at Incheon International Airport earlier this month.

The man, who goes by "Gocheok Mr. Kim," alleged that Kim's father owes him 100 million won. The Dodgers star asked the security to escort him before continuing his interview.

Kim's father responded to the incident, revealing that he had borrowed about 120 million won but had repaid about 90 million won. He claimed that the lenders keep increasing the interest on the principal amount.

"Even though I have repaid most of the principal, the other side keeps increasing the amount on the grounds of interest," Kim's father said.

The Dodgers utility, who has emerged as a fan-favorite, will be looking to get past the controversy ahead of spring training next year.