Late Bloomer Bae So-hyun Signs Management Deal with Be Number One

Golf marketing company Be Number One announced Thursday it has signed a management contract with Bae So-hyun, 33, a player known as the quintessential "late bloomer."

Bae is a representative late-blooming player on the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. She quickly established herself as a marquee KLPGA Tour player after winning three titles in the 2024 season and adding another victory in 2025. Despite experiencing a slump due to back injuries through 2023, she overcame them through persistent effort and emerged as one of the tour's leading long hitters.

"I was preparing for the season with various possibilities in mind this year, and it gives me strength just to know I'm starting the new season with Be Number One supporting me," Bae said. "Above all, I have sponsors, family, and fans cheering me on, so I will push forward with energy."

Bae is in the final stages of season preparation with a goal of two wins, including a major championship.

She recorded a 17th-place finish at the Ladies European Tour (LET) PIF Saudi Ladies International, which concluded February 14, marking a strong start to the year.

Be Number One manages several KLPGA Tour players including Bae So-hyun, Lee Se-hee, Kim Yun-gyo, Lee Ji-young 5, Yang Hyo-ri, and Jo Eun-chae. The company also represents Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA) Tour players Kim Hong-taek, Jeong Tae-yang, Park Hyun-seo, Yeom Seo-hyun, and Jeong Han-mil, as well as Lee Seung-taek, who joined the PGA Tour this year.