South Korea's "monster high schooler" turns down the New York Yankees' massive signing bonus; Yankees scouting director responds for the first time.

Ha Hyun-seung, a two-way star from Busan High School, recently rejected a signing bonus of more than $2.5 million from the New York Yankees and intends to join the KBO league draft. He emphasized that he hopes to train and prove himself in the KBO first, then challenge the Major Leagues in the future.

Ha said, "I really appreciate the attention from the Yankees. However, I want to succeed in the KBO first. The level of Korean baseball is not low, and there is much to learn here. I believe I can keep improving in this environment. I will prove myself domestically, and then challenge the Major Leagues with the proper recognition."

Regarding Ha's decision, Mario Garza, the Yankees' director of international scouting, said today that the club hopes to sign more Asian players. "Of course, Ha has decided to stay in Korea and play professional baseball there, and we respect that."

Ha is a left-handed pitcher, 194 cm tall, who excels both on the mound and at the plate—a rare two-way talent in recent Korean baseball. Garza stated that a successful player possesses skill, discipline, and a high level of completeness, and the club is actively scouting Asian prospects with these attributes.