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Hotels Vie for Korean Major Leaguers

Posted December. 02, 2005 07:02,   

한국어

On December 1 at Lotte World Hotel in Jamsil, Seoul. Seo Jae-ung (28) of the New York Mets took a one-day job as the hotel’s general manager.

Dressed like a general manager, Seo strolled the front desk and the door greeting his fans. He also patrolled the restaurant and signed autographs for dining customers.

As payment for his services, Seo receives VIP treatment from the hotel. The Lotte World Hotel is offering their presidential suite to Seo’s family (wife: Yi Ju-hyon, daughter: Hae-rin) free of charge. The suite’s rate is 1.5 million won per night, excluding taxes.

Seo arrived from Los Angeles on November 22, and will stay here until December 2.

For the past four years, Choi Hee-seop of the Los Angeles Dodgers has been using Westin Chosun Hotel in Joong-ku borough, Seoul. The hotel lets Choi stay for free in its royal suite, which costs 3 million won per night.

Choi will participate in the hotel’s annual kimchi-making charity event. The hotel will turn 150 heads of cabbage into kimchi for 23 elderly people that live alone.

Park Chan-ho (32) of the San Diego Padres is a regular guest at Lotte Hotel in Jung-ku borough, Seoul. Park has been staying here every year since his career in the major leagues began. Park is also a close friend of Shin Kyuk-ho, the Lotte Group’s president.

Park, who got married on November 30 in Hawaii, will invite friends and relatives and hold a reception in this hotel.

Kim Byung-hyun (26) of Colorado Rockies is an exception to this trend. Kim, who is reclusive, has declined offers from hotels and prefers to stay at friends’ houses.

The hotel’s management says, “Our clients love seeing celebrity athletes up close. This is something new and distinct, a real treat for our guests.”



uni@donga.com