50 Facts About LG Twins

The Origins of the LG Twins

The LG Twins, a cornerstone of South Korean baseball, have a history rich with memorable moments and significant milestones. Let's dive into the fascinating journey of this iconic team.

1. Establishment: The LG Twins were founded in 1982 as MBC Chungyong, owned by the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).

2. Early Years: Initially, the team played at Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium but moved to Jamsil Baseball Stadium for the second part of the 1982 season, which remains their home.

3. Player-Manager Baek In-chun: Baek In-chun, a former player in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, led the team in its early days. At 38, he set a record with a .412 batting average in 1982.

4. Japanese Influence: Baek introduced the Japanese "small ball" technique, focusing on sacrifice bunts, stolen bases, and sacrifice flies. Despite a strong season, Baek was dismissed after 1982.

5. Name Change: In 1989, LG Corporation acquired the franchise, renaming it the LG Twins.

Championship Glory

The LG Twins have tasted the sweetness of victory, securing championships that have cemented their legacy in Korean baseball.

6. First Championship: The LG Twins won their first Korean Series title in 1990 under manager Baek In-chun, marking a significant milestone.

7. Second Championship: In 1994, the Twins clinched their second Korean Series title with manager Lee Kwang-hwan. Kim Yong-soo, the MVP, had his jersey number 41 retired.

Trials and Triumphs

The journey of the LG Twins has been a rollercoaster, filled with both challenges and triumphs.

8. Dark Ages: After their 2002 Korean Series appearance, the team endured an 11-year postseason drought, returning to the playoffs in 2013.

9. Recent Success: In 2023, the LG Twins won the regular season title and reached their first Korean Series since 2002, defeating the KT Wiz 4–1.

Home and Rivalries

The LG Twins' home stadium and rivalries add another layer to their storied history.

10. Home Stadium: The LG Twins play at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, which they share with their rivals, the Doosan Bears.

11. Historical Managers: The team has had several notable managers, including Baek In-chun, Kim Dong-yeop, and Lee Kwang-hwan.

Notable Players

Over the years, the LG Twins have been home to many remarkable players who have left an indelible mark on the team.

12. Kim Yong-soo: The Korean Series MVP in both 1990 and 1994, Kim Yong-soo's contributions were pivotal to the team's success.

13. Oh Ji-hwan: Leading the team to victory in the 2023 Korean Series, Oh Ji-hwan's leadership was instrumental.

Cultural Impact

The LG Twins have made significant cultural contributions, appearing in popular media and inspiring documentaries.

14. Pop Culture Appearances: The team featured prominently in the TVN drama "Reply 1994," albeit under the name "Seoul Twins."

15. Documentary Series: In 2023, TVING released "Our Game: LG Twins," a documentary that became the best original documentary in TVING's history.

KBO League and International Presence

The LG Twins are a vital part of the KBO League and have attracted international talent.

16. KBO League: The LG Twins are a member of the KBO League, one of South Korea's top professional baseball leagues.

17. 2020 Season: The team started strong in 2020, boasting a 21-13 record before facing setbacks due to injuries.

18. International Players: The Twins have attracted international players like Hyun Soo Kim and Casey Kelly, enhancing their global appeal.

Broadcasting and Comparisons

The LG Twins' games are widely broadcasted, and the team is often compared to MLB franchises.

19. Broadcasting: KBO games, including those of the LG Twins, are available on ESPN and Twitch.

20. Comparison to MLB Teams: The LG Twins are often compared to MLB teams like the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers due to similar struggles and successes.

Fan Culture

The LG Twins boast a dedicated fan base that has remained loyal through thick and thin.

21. Fan Culture: The team's core fandom remains strong, with loyalty passed down through generations.

Historical Milestones

The LG Twins have achieved several historical milestones that highlight their resilience and success.

22. Historical Milestones: The team was the first to win 20 games after the season's opening but faced challenges maintaining their success.

23. Championship Wins: The 1990 and 1994 Korean Series Championships are significant highlights in the team's history.

Managerial Influence

The influence of various managers has shaped the LG Twins' journey.

24. Manager Baek In-cheon: Baek In-cheon played a crucial role in the team's early success, leading them to their first championship in 1990.

Player Recruitment and Challenges

Recruiting talented players and overcoming challenges have been key to the LG Twins' strategy.

25. Player Recruitment: The team has a history of recruiting talented players, including Kim Dong-soo and Lee Byeong-hoon in 1990.

26. Injuries and Challenges: The team faced several challenges early on, including injuries to key players like Lee Gwang and Shin Eon-ho.

LG Corporation's Impact

The acquisition by LG Corporation marked a turning point for the team, bringing financial stability and resources.

27. LG Corporation's Impact: The acquisition in 1989 brought financial stability, allowing the team to compete at a higher level.

LG's Expansion and Innovations

LG Corporation's expansion and innovations have had a significant impact on the team's success.

28. LG's Expansion: During the 1980s and 1990s, LG Corporation expanded its business interests, establishing the Lucky Goldstar Twin Towers in Seoul.

29. Advertising Recognition: An LG television ad was chosen as a finalist in the New York Festivals International Advertising awards in 1988.

30. Science and Technology: LG has been at the forefront of scientific advancements, establishing the LG Academy in 1988.

31. Youth Science Museums: LG opened the Busan LG Youth Science Museum in 1998, promoting scientific education among young people.

32. Laundry Detergent Innovation: In 1999, LG won the IR52 Jang Young-shil Award for its highly concentrated laundry detergent “One Spoon Power.”

33. Slogan Changes: The company changed its slogan to “Digitally Yours” in 1999, reflecting its growing emphasis on digital technology.

34. Thinnest PDP Creation: LG created the world’s thinnest PDP (Plasma Display Panel) in 1999.

35. Art Center Establishment: In 2000, LG established the LG Art Center, showcasing its support for the arts.

36. Internet-Enabled Refrigerator: The same year, LG debuted the world’s first refrigerator with internet access, called the Internet Digital DIOS.

37. Life Sciences Division: In 2002, LG established LG Life Sciences, producing the first Korean drug approved by the United States FDA.

38. Popular Slogan: The company debuted “Life’s Good,” its most popular slogan to date, in 2003.

39. HD LCD Television: In the same year, LG created the world’s first 55-inch HD LCD television.

40. IT Company Recognition: LG Electronics was chosen by Business Week as “World’s Best IT Company” in 2004.

41. Awards and Recognition: The company’s “Bamboo Salt Toothpaste” won an award from People’s Daily of China for “Best Korean Toothpaste” in 2004.

42. Transportation Card System: In 2004, LG developed a new card system for transportation in Seoul.

43. Air Conditioner Rankings: LG’s Whisen Air Conditioner was ranked #1 in the world for 5 consecutive years starting from 2005.

44. Camera Innovation: The same year saw the creation of the world’s smallest camera for mobile phones at just 6.4 mm.

45. 100-Inch LCD Screen: In 2006, LG created the world’s biggest 100-inch LCD screen.

46. Photo Frame Air Conditioner: The company debuted the world’s first photo frame air conditioner called the LG ArtCool in 2006.

47. Prada Smartphone: In 2007, LG created the LG KE850 or the LG Prada, the first smartphone with a fully functional capacitive touchscreen.

48. Electronic Paper Development: The same year saw the creation of the world’s first electronic paper called “Color Flexible.”

49. Drum Washing Machines Leadership: LG became the market leader for drum washing machines in the United States in 2007.

50. 3G Data Services Launch: In 2008, LG launched its 3G data services, enhancing mobile connectivity for its customers. The company also opened a solar power plant in Taean.

LG Twins: A Legacy of Triumph and Resilience

The LG Twins have carved out a remarkable legacy in South Korean baseball. From their early days as MBC Chungyong to their current status as a powerhouse in the KBO League, the Twins have seen it all. They've celebrated championships, endured tough seasons, and bounced back stronger each time. Their home at Jamsil Baseball Stadium has witnessed countless memorable moments, shared with their dedicated fans. The team's journey, marked by notable players and managers, reflects a blend of tradition and innovation. With recent successes, including the 2023 Korean Series win, the Twins continue to inspire and captivate. Their story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the unbreakable bond between a team and its supporters. Here's to many more years of thrilling baseball and unforgettable memories with the LG Twins.