SF9's Chanhee Throws First Pitch: Between Pop Culture and Baseball
On April 18, 2025, Chanhee, a member of the K-pop group SF9, stepped onto the mound at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Doosan Bears and the KIA Tigers. As with most first-pitch events, this was more than a simple formality—it was a moment designed to fire up the crowd and attract mass attention, both in the stadium and online.
Chanhee didn’t disappoint. With a confident wind-up and a smooth throw, he received praise from fans and commentators alike. Dressed in a Bears jersey, his presence bridged two passionate fanbases: baseball enthusiasts and K-pop followers. It was a cultural crossover, one that reflected the growing interplay between sports and entertainment in South Korea.
The Upsides and Downsides of Celebrity Pitches
Pro: Popularity Boost and Media Buzz
Having a celebrity throw the first pitch is a marketing jackpot. Fans are drawn to the stadium not just for the game, but to see their favorite stars in person. It becomes a moment to share, post, and talk about—perfect for social media buzz and news coverage.
In the U.S., Major League Baseball regularly taps celebrities for the ceremonial pitch—Oprah Winfrey, 50 Cent, and even U.S. Presidents have taken the mound. These appearances bring attention far beyond the regular sporting headlines.
Furthermore, it creates a rare interaction point between celebrities and their fans. Sports stadiums aren't the usual venue for a pop star encounter, making these moments extra meaningful for fans. In Chanhee’s case, SF9’s fandom, known as Fantasy, lit up social media with praise and excitement.
Con: Commercialization and Core Distraction
Despite the buzz, some critics argue that the first pitch by entertainers sometimes risks turning the game into an overly commercialized event. The core of baseball should be about athleticism and competition. But when the spectacle overshadows the skills on the field, it becomes an entertainment show rather than a sporting event.
There’s also the issue of underprepared celebrities. A poorly thrown ball can become an internet joke or, worse, disappoint fans who expected more. In past Korean baseball games, untrained celebrity pitchers have faced online backlash for clumsy throws or awkward deliveries.
Lastly, overloading games with entertainment elements could dilute (weaken) the purity of the sport. Critics want the balance kept in check—after all, the game is what brought fans there in the first place.
Finding the Balance: Culture vs Sport
Chanhee’s pitch stirred a lively conversation, exposing both the strengths and weaknesses of mixing pop culture with professional athletics. His presence undoubtedly added energy and excitement to the game. For many in the stands, it was a once-in-a-lifetime memory—seeing their idol hold a glove and ball under a setting sky.
Still, teams and leagues need to be mindful. While celebrity spots are great for marketing and drawing new eyes, the spirit of the sport shouldn't get pushed aside in favor of flashy moments. That’s the fine line between celebration and show business.
Public and Fan Reactions
Online reactions to Chanhee’s first pitch were primarily positive. Fans applauded his poise, and even non-K-pop audiences noted how seamlessly he fit into the baseball atmosphere. Memes, clips, and photos flooded Instagram and Twitter, turning a two-second throw into a days-long conversation.
At the same time, some fans of the sport felt uneasy. “We want to see pitchers warming up, not pop stars,” one tweet read. This touches on the broader idea: is baseball a sport first and media content second, or are the lines blurred now?
The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. While Chanhee didn’t tarnish the game, it's important for events like these to keep the spotlight balanced—complementing the game, not competing with it.
Final Thoughts
Celebrity first pitches, like Chanhee’s, are emblematic of modern fandom and media culture. They offer a glimpse into how sports is merging with other entertainment industries, especially in a digital age where everything can go viral in seconds.
Chanhee brought joy, his fandom brought excitement, and the stadium saw a jump in attention. Still, as teams plan future events, they might do well to remember: the magic isn’t just about who throws the ball—it’s about how baseball and culture meet at just the right moment, without one overwhelming the other.
