Let Olympic speedskater Yoongy Kwak explain HRDX

August 22nd, 2022

Suffice to say, there is no one quite like Yoongy Kwak. Kwak is a two-time Olympic silver medalist speedskater, he is a content creator at the cutting edge of fashion -- one look at his outfits and shock of pink hair on Instagram will tell you that -- and now he's a home run-hitting Wild Card in FTX MLB Home Run Derby X.

So, with Kwak looking to impress the crowd in a homecoming performance in Seoul on Sept. 17 following the first HRDX event in London earlier this summer, there was no one better to explain the rules of this new tournament.

The superstar took to YouTube to share the rules. The video is in Kwak's native Korean, so we've added a translation below for English-language speakers.

"Hello everyone, it’s Yoongy! I was invited by MLB to take part in Home Run Derby X on September 17th. Home Run Derby X will take place in Korea on September 17th at Paradise City. Let me explain how the gameplay of Home Run Derby X works. Teams take turns in offense and defense at Home Run Derby X. The team that is up to bat can hit 25 balls. The offense has two ways to score: The offense can score by hitting home runs, Target Hits, and home run Target Hits. A successful home run or Target Hit scores 1 point for the batter’s team. A successful home run Target Hit scores 2 points for the batter’s team. That’s how the offense scores. The defense can score from catches. At Home Run Derby X, players can call for a Hot Streak, [which] scores double points. These five balls double the points for both batters and the defense."

"Home Run Derby X will have four teams who each represent four iconic Major League Baseball Clubs: Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. In each team are MLB Legends, Wild Cards that are content creators like me, Rookies, and Superstars. In Korea, KBO Legends will replace Rookies.

Now, I'll explain the four things that you can enjoy [when attending] Home Run Derby X. First is the HIT Batting zone, second is the pitching zone, third is the food inspired by each MLB team, and lastly, the fourth -- it is so important -- there's a K-POP concert scheduled. The [players and performers who are attending] are very stunning. You can meet them if you come. Also, there are limited edition MLB goods, so you can enjoy them together. I think it will be a fantastic site with all these features! Come and watch me hit a home run, enjoy food, enjoy K-pop, and enjoy all of this! Watch it live on MLB.com and MLB's official social media channel See you on September 17th at Home Run Derby X!"

After Kwak's Dodgers finished third in London, earning one point in the HRDX table, they'll be looking for a better showing in Seoul so they can climb the standings ahead of the final event in Mexico City on Oc. 15.

For a more in-depth look at the rules and how the gameplay works, click here.