“Welcome BK“

As Kim Byung-Hyun (22) met yesterday the US President George W. Bush at White House with the Arizona Diamondbacks teammates, `Kim`s story` which began from the World Series finally ended.

All 20 guests of President Bush dressed up, and Kim Byung-Hyun was placed in the middle of first row and right behind the president who was giving a speech. Hence, he was captured in the camera throughout the welcome event. Compared to the places of Arizona`s `one-two punch` and Curt Schilling and World Series final game`s hero Louis Gonzales, Randy Johnson in rear row, in left and right side, the seat arrangement for Kim was unprecedented.

Former Rangers` general manager and well-known big baseball fan, President Bush showed his special concern with Kim Byung-Hyun, who allowed the game-tying two-run homers for two games in a row, by speaking with him about it.

Kim Byung-Hyun, who was shunning to be exposed to the press during his stay in Korea, was a little bit tensed in the beginning of the event, but he often showed his composure wearing a big smile.

President Bush praised the Diamondbacks for giving America a thrilling World Series diversion, saying that "the World Series couldn`t have come at a better time. It gave the American people a chance to think about something other than the war. God Bless all of you!."

In response to president`s praise, General Manager Jerry Colangelo, and Series co-Most Valuable Players Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling presented the President with a personalized No. 1 Diamondbacks jersey.

Presenting White House Spokeperson Ari Feischer with a Diamondbacks` World Series championship cap and t-shirt, Randy Johnson said "It may be just a rumor, but I heard if we rub your head, we`ll be back here next year." arousing big laugh from the floor.

This welcome event was broadcasted in the whole nation through the major TV channels such as ESPN, CNN, etc..

Meanwhile, Kim Byung-Hyun, the second Korean athlete who met the U.S.`s president following Pak Se-Ri in 1998, plans to return to Korea for the remaining schedule such as commercial shooting right after the event.

Zang Hwan-Soo zangpabo@donga.com