The Dodgers' affinity for Korean baseball players stems from a long history with the community, starting with Chan Ho Park, the first Korean-born player in MLB, and continuing with the team's strong ties to the L.A. Korean American community and the growing popularity of baseball in Korea. This history, combined with the players' talent and the strategic opportunity to connect with a passionate and growing international fan base, has led to a consistent interest in signing Korean players. 

Hyeseong Kim played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' World Series run as a pinch runner who scored the series-winning run in Game 4 of the Division Series and later as a defensive substitute in the final inning of Game 7 of the World Series. Despite appearing in only two postseason games and not starting in any, he was a key factor in two decisive moments.