So Ye Yang (Ohio State University)
Abstract: Transnational migration of talented athletes is prominent feature of globalized sport arena. This paper aimed, firstly, to make sense of context of player migration to KPB(Korean professional Baseball) since KPB opened the labor market in 1998.
Drawing on statistical data from the Korean Baseball Organization, web pages, and print media (books, newspapers and reports) and interviews with home based players and staff, it examined key pattern and trends of migration and the implications of global / local process of KPB through influx of labor on the league.
I argued that mega power source, MLB, centers at in every way of recruiting, code and culture. Adjusting to new power, industry, communication, capital, technology, KPB’s continuous transformation implies interdependence of MLB, NPB, and others.
This labor movement enlightened and intrigued many challenges and adaptation need to be considered. Taking advantage of global flow, opening labor market could induce an opportunity brining global level of skill, flexibility and openness into an individual, an organization and the league.
