Baseball Commentator Park Yong-taek: “The Strength to Get Back Up When You Fall Builds True Skill”

Korea University successfully hosted the 8th lecture in the “2025 Leaders Who Change the World Lecture Series”

 Baseball commentator Park Yong-taek giving a lecture

Korea University (President Kim Dong-One) recently held the 8th lecture in the “2025 Leaders Who Change the World Lecture Series” on Thursday, October 16 (5 pm) in the Centennial Memorial Hall International Teleconference Room.

In this lecture, KBS/KBS N Sports commentator Park Yong-taek (Business, entered in 1998), a former LG Twins star player, delivered a speech on the topic, “Behind 30% of Success, There is 70% of Failure,” to talk about the importance of willingness to take on challenges, an attitude that is not afraid of failure, and resilience.

Park Yong-taek, who played for LG Twins from 2002 to 2020 as a one-club man, is the first KBO League player to achieve a .300 batting average for ten consecutive years and 150 hits for seven consecutive years. His number 33 was retired by the LG Twins, and he continues to contribute to the development of Korean professional baseball as a baseball commentator.

Before the lecture, President Kim Done-one said, “Commentator Park Yong-taek, who has moved our hearts with his consistent passion and sincerity for a long time, is a symbol of perseverance and consistency.” He encouraged students, saying, “I hope that, from this lecture, students will gain unwavering courage in the face of any hardship.”

Commentator Park Yong-teak began his speech by saying, “30% success built on 70% failure has made me who I am today. The strength to train yourself through failure and get back up again, which is a mark of resilience, ultimately builds true skill.”

Commentator Park shared his experience of overcoming numerous slumps during his career through constant changes. In particular, he recalled that 2008 was the darkest period in his career. The story of how he refined his own batting technique without giving up and achieved a batting average of .300 for ten consecutive years resonated deeply with the students.

 Baseball commentator Park Yong-taek giving his lecture

Commentator Park closed his speech by saying, “Everybody experiences failure, but those who use it as a stepping stone to move forward will eventually be successful. I hope you will have the mindset to travel one step further through failure.”

The “2025 Leaders Who Change the World Lecture Series” is a special lecture program held as part of Korea University’s 120th anniversary celebration. Leaders who have been architects of change are invited to provide students with inspiration and lessons, encouraging their growth as creative and talented individuals.