1. Overview
Park Hye-jin (born July 22, 1990) is a prominent South Korean professional basketball player. Known for her versatility as a combo guard, she has established herself as a key figure in the WKBL and for the South Korean national team. Throughout her career, Park has achieved remarkable success, including numerous WKBL championships, multiple Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, and a distinguished record of individual accolades, solidifying her status as one of the league's most consistent and impactful players. Her dedication and skill have also contributed to the national team's achievements in international competitions, including medal finishes at the Asian Games.
2. Early Life and Background
Park Hye-jin's journey into professional basketball began with her formative years in Busan and her family's connection to the sport.
2.1. Birth and Family
Park Hye-jin was born on July 22, 1990, in Busan, South Korea. Her family shares a strong connection to basketball, as her older sister, Park Eon-ju, also pursued a career as a professional basketball player.
2.2. Education
Park Hye-jin attended Daesin Elementary School in Busan, followed by Dongju Girls' Middle School. She completed her high school education at Samcheonpo Girls' High School (formerly Samcheonpo Girls' Comprehensive High School), where she began to gain recognition for her basketball prowess. During her school years, she was selected for the 18th FIBA Asia Youth Women's Basketball National Team.
3. Playing Career
Park Hye-jin's playing career spans significant contributions to South Korea's youth and senior national teams, alongside a highly successful professional club career in the WKBL.
3.1. Youth National Teams
Park Hye-jin made her mark early in her career by representing South Korea on various youth national teams. In 2007, she was selected for the 7th U19 World Women's Basketball Championship national team, which finished 8th overall. The following year, in 2008, she was part of the 19th U18 Asia Women's Championship national team, securing a 3rd-place finish. In 2009, she was selected for the 5th East Asian Women's Basketball National Team, which placed 4th overall.
3.2. Senior National Team
Park Hye-jin has been a consistent presence on the senior South Korean national team, participating in major international tournaments. She was a key player in the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Her contributions to the national team also include medal-winning performances at the Asian Games, where she earned a
gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and a
silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
3.3. Club Career
Park Hye-jin's professional club career has been primarily defined by her highly successful tenure with Woori Bank and her recent move to Busan BNK Sum.
3.3.1. Woori Bank Era
Park Hye-jin began her professional career after being selected as the first overall pick by Chuncheon Woori Bank Hansae in the WKBL rookie draft held in October 2008. Her time with Woori Bank was marked by exceptional team and individual success. She was instrumental in leading the team to six consecutive WKBL championships from 2013 to 2018. Her individual excellence was recognized with five WKBL Regular Season MVP awards (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019) and three WKBL Finals MVP awards (2015, 2016, and 2017).
On January 15, 2014, in a game against KDB Life at Chuncheon Hoban Gymnasium, Park Hye-jin set a new record for consecutive free throws made. She successfully converted three free throws, including a bonus shot, extending her streak to 45 consecutive successful free throws. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 42 set by Jung Sun-min.
3.3.2. BNK Sum Era
Following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, Park Hye-jin became a free agent and made a significant move to her hometown team, Busan BNK Sum. This transfer marked a new chapter in her career, bringing her back to her roots in Busan.
4. Playing Style and Statistics
Park Hye-jin is renowned for her versatile playing style and impressive statistical achievements throughout her career.
4.1. Position and Playing Characteristics
Park Hye-jin primarily plays as a combo guard, demonstrating proficiency in both point guard and shooting guard roles. She is known for her exceptional shooting accuracy, particularly from the free-throw line, and her ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. Her distinctive appearance, which is said to resemble the character 또치DdochiKorean from the popular Korean animated series Dooly the Little Dinosaur, earned her the popular nickname 'Ddochi' among fans.
4.2. Statistical Records
Park Hye-jin's career statistics highlight her consistent performance and impact on the court. Her regular season records showcase her efficiency and all-around game.
| Legend | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G | Games Played | MPG | Minutes Per Game | 2P% | 2-Point Field Goal Percentage | ||
| 3P% | 3-Point Field Goal Percentage | FT% | Free Throw Percentage | RPG | Rebounds Per Game | ||
| APG | Assists Per Game | SPG | Steals Per Game | BPG | Blocks Per Game | ||
| PPG | Points Per Game | Bold | Career High | ||||
| † | Indicates a season where the WKBL Championship was won. |
| Led the league in this category. |
| Season | Team | G | MPG | 2P% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | Woori Bank | 29 | 34:58 | 36.4 | 33.8 | 72.1 | 3.28 | 3.07 | 1.28 | 0.52 | 7.07 |
| 2009-10 | Woori Bank | 34 | 26:22 | 50.0 | 33.9 | 81.4 | 2.44 | 2.59 | 0.65 | 0.38 | 5.41 |
| 2010-11 | Woori Bank | 34 | 37:46 | 43.6 | 35.3 | 90.8 | 4.56 | 3.56 | 1.35 | 0.26 | 10.44 |
| 2011-12 | Woori Bank | 34 | 30:57 | 44.3 | 24.7 | 85.0 | 3.44 | 2.53 | 1.00 | 0.26 | 8.03 |
| 2012-13 | Woori Bank† | 35 | 37:33 | 39.5 | 23.0 | 85.2 | 5.94 | 3.60 | 1.43 | 0.51 | 10.37 |
| 2013-14 | Woori Bank† | 35 | 35:42 | 44.3 | 34.9 | 94.9 | 4.89 | 3.66 | 0.86 | 0.23 | 12.63 |
| 2014-15 | Woori Bank† | 35 | 36:05 | 43.6 | 33.9 | 90.0 | 5.51 | 3.06 | 1.14 | 0.17 | 10.54 |
| 2015-16 | Woori Bank† | 35 | 37:05 | 39.8 | 30.6 | 93.2 | 5.94 | 3.03 | 1.40 | 0.26 | 10.11 |
| 2016-17 | Woori Bank† | 35 | 35:37 | 42.8 | 38.1 | 87.7 | 5.71 | 5.11 | 1.54 | 0.14 | 13.54 |
| 2017-18 | Woori Bank† | 35 | 38.15 | 39.4 | 35.4 | 90.3 | 5.17 | 5.09 | 1.23 | 0.31 | 14.51 |
| 2018-19 | Woori Bank | 33 | 34:05 | 46.0 | 31.3 | 75.9 | 5.55 | 4.85 | 1.15 | 0.24 | 13.24 |
| 2019-20 | Woori Bank | 27 | 36:35 | 42.6 | 34.0 | 89.2 | 5.11 | 5.44 | 0.89 | 0.48 | 14.74 |
| Career | 12 years, 1 team |
5. Awards and Honors
Park Hye-jin has accumulated an extensive list of awards and honors throughout her distinguished basketball career, reflecting her consistent excellence at both the club and international levels.
5.1. WKBL Awards
Within the Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL), Park Hye-jin has received numerous accolades:
- 6× WKBL Champion: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
- 5× WKBL Regular Season MVP: 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
- 3× WKBL Championship Series MVP: 2015, 2016, 2017
- 7× WKBL Best 5: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- 5× WKBL Free Throw Award: 2011, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019
- 2× WKBL 3-Point Award: 2014, 2017
- 2× WKBL Assist Award: 2017, 2018
- WKBL Yoon Deok-ju Award: 2018, 2019
- WKBL Rookie of the Year: 2009
- WKBL Exemplary Player Award: 2013
- 4× WKBL All-Star Game 3-Point Contest Winner: 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018
- 2013 Woori Bank Asia W Championship (AWC) Winner
5.2. National Team Honors
Representing South Korea in international competitions, Park Hye-jin has earned the following honors:
- 2007 U19 World Women's Basketball Championship National Team Selection (8th place overall)
- 2008 U18 Asia Women's Championship National Team Selection (3rd place overall)
- 2009 5th East Asian Women's Basketball National Team Selection (4th place overall)
- 2014 Asian Games Basketball -
Gold medal Gold Medal
- 2018 Asian Games Women's Basketball -
Silver medal Silver Medal
5.3. Other Accolades
Beyond the WKBL and national team, Park Hye-jin has also received recognition for her achievements:
- 2005 60th National Boys and Girls Championship Middle School MVP
- 2008 63rd National Boys and Girls Championship High School MVP
- 2014 MBN Women's Sports Awards March MVP
6. Personal Life
Park Hye-jin's personal life is notably connected to the sport of basketball through her family. Her older sister, Park Eon-ju, also had a career as a professional basketball player, indicating a shared passion for the sport within their family.