Billlie's Siyoon and Moon Sua Stir Debate with Ceremonial First Pitch and Hit
On April 23, 2025, at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, girl group Billlie's Siyoon and Moon Sua took part in the opening ceremony of a KBO League game between the Kiwoom Heroes and the Doosan Bears. Siyoon was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch, while Moon Sua served as the honorary batter.
The two brought a youthful energy to the ballpark, interacting with fans and boosting excitement before the game began. After throwing her pitch, Siyoon appeared visibly flustered, hinting at nerves or perhaps dissatisfaction with her performance. Still, both idols cheered the athletes on, even offering well wishes to player Kim Jae-hyun.
The Tradition Behind the First Pitch
In Korean baseball, much like in Major League Baseball (MLB), inviting a celebrity to throw out the first pitch or stand in as a ceremonial batter before a game is a customary gesture—a way to ignite fan excitement and honor special guests. Though it's not part of the game itself, it’s a ritual that appeals to fans and media alike.
In South Korea, these roles are increasingly given to K-pop idols, reflecting the nation’s tendency to merge sports with entertainment. The inclusion of Siyoon and Moon Sua was no accident—it fits neatly into the KBO League’s broader strategy to attract younger fans by blending baseball with pop culture fandom.
Why It Works: Engagement and Excitement
When K-pop idols—known for their massive teenage and young adult fanbases—show up at baseball games, good things often happen: stadiums buzz, social media lights up, and even non-sports fans take a peek at the game. A recent Korean sports marketing report stated that celebrity involvement, especially involving popular entertainers, boosts stadium attendance and drives wider media coverage.
For newer groups like Billlie, it's also a strategic opportunity. Appearing at a sporting event allows idols to foster a healthy image, tap into a family-friendly environment, and broaden their audience beyond traditional K-pop fans. It gives their fans a reason to engage with baseball—and gives baseball fans a new reason to cheer.
More than that, celebrity appearances help break the mold of baseball’s sometimes stuffy, male-dominated culture. With colorful uniforms, flashy camera angles, and frenzied cheers, idol participation crafts a more inclusive, entertainment-first ballpark experience.
So What’s the Issue?
Despite the excitement, idol-first pitches often bring backlash. Critics argue they distract from the seriousness and competitive spirit of the game. Some sports fans feel the gimmick overshadows the athletes, reducing highly disciplined performances to sideshows within a circus of fandom merch and fangirls screaming for a pop star—not a home run.
Others take issue with the quality of the pitch or swing itself. Unlike former athletes or trained baseball fans, idols sometimes lack the skills—or even the basic knowledge—of how to throw a ball correctly. When the pitch goes wide or barely reaches the catcher, social media floods with mockery or criticism. Siyoon’s awkward reactions only fueled that narrative this time around.
Then there’s the commercialization concern. Some think the whole thing is less about honoring baseball and more about grabbing headlines or promoting a record. When appearances become pure PR stunts, skeptics argue they erode the boundary between meaningful sports culture and branding overload.
What Fans Are Saying
Online reactions have been mixed. Many younger users cheered Billlie’s appearance, calling it fun and refreshing. “It’s great to see idols blend into different parts of culture,” one fan wrote. “They bring people to baseball who otherwise wouldn’t go.”
But others disagreed, saying things like: “This isn’t a place for promotion. Focus on the game,” or “Can we have someone who played baseball at least once?” The divide largely reflects age and fandom demographics—baseball diehards versus K-pop enthusiasts, and those who enjoy crossover versus those who crave purity.
In news outlets and comment sections, some suggested compromise. “It’s perfectly fine to invite idols—just make sure they prepare seriously.” Others critiqued the KBO itself, saying more care should be taken in balancing entertainment with the sport’s integrity.
At a Crossroads
Billlie’s participation in the KBO game was more than just a PR stunt—it symbolized the growing fusion of Korean sports and entertainment. Whether this is a step forward or a marketing misfire depends on how carefully such appearances are planned and how much respect is shown to the game.
If executed thoughtfully—with rehearsal, genuine interest, and an understanding of baseball’s culture—idol involvement can raise baseball’s profile, attract new fans, and reshape outdated perceptions. But if reduced to a gimmick, or done without care, it risks alienating dedicated fans and undermining the very sport it's meant to promote.
This may be the new norm for baseball not just in Korea, but around the world: a blend of athleticism, celebrity, and spectacle. The hope is that, moving forward, this blend can enrich rather than dilute the game. After all, what’s more exciting than seeing passions—be they for home runs or high notes—cross paths on the same field?