Kevin of THE BOYZ, Baseball Controversy Divides Fandom
Kevin, a member of the K-pop group THE BOYZ, is at the center of a growing controversy stemming from a seemingly simple act at a baseball game. While serving as a ceremonial batter at a Kiwoom Heroes and KT Wiz game on April 19, 2025, he publicly expressed support for another team—the KIA Tigers. What might have been a personal sporting preference has erupted into a heated debate over professionalism, personal expression, and fandom expectations.
The moment, captured in video clips and fan photos, spread rapidly across social media. With fiery takes from both fans and the general public, the incident has sparked an intense discussion not just about Kevin himself, but about the broader expectations of idols at public events.
Pro-Fandom: Public Events Demand Neutrality
For those critical of Kevin’s actions, the issue is less about baseball and more about respect. Since Kevin was invited by the Kiwoom Heroes organization, supporters of this view argue that he should have remained neutral or, at the very least, refrained from cheering for a different team.
"Imagine being invited to someone’s wedding and cheering for their ex during the vows," one fan quipped on a message board. Though exaggerated, the metaphor reflects the emotional investment fans have in these events.
This group insists that idol behavior during public functions should be polished and neutral, much like award presenters or political figures. They point to past examples—such as a Korean actor mentioning personal political views in an award speech—as reasons public figures should avoid divisive statements.
Within fan communities, particularly ones focused on image control and public relations, Kevin’s moment of cheer is seen as a breach of unspoken etiquette: "He didn't just support another team; he undermined the one that gave him the platform."
Pro-Kevin: It's Just Baseball, Let Him Be
Defending Kevin are fans and internet users who argue that baseball games are fun, casual spaces—not platforms for formal diplomacy. According to them, idols are human beings with personal interests, and punishing Kevin for supporting his hometown team is overly harsh.
Many point to Kevin’s background—he was born in Canada but has family ties to Gwangju, the home of the KIA Tigers. "He probably grew up watching KIA games with his cousins," read one sympathetic tweet, which included the hashtag #IStandWithKevin.
This group warns against a rising trend in fan culture: the policing (strict monitoring and controlling) of idols’ every move. Some even labeled the backlash as a form of "fandom dictatorship," where collective mood overrides individual freedom.
One user noted, "If we want authentic idols, not robots reciting sponsor lines, then we need to allow moments like this. Otherwise, we’ll end up with boring, censored celebrities terrified of stepping out of line."
Bigger Than Baseball: Freedom, Control, and Balance
This dilemma isn’t new in K-pop. From controversial tweets to televised statements, idols have often walked a tightrope between authenticity and public acceptability. What makes this case different is the intersection of sport, nationalism, and entertainment, all charged by the emotional power of fandom.
Many middle-ground commentators suggest a nuanced approach: public events should hold some standard of decorum (respectfulness), but fans must also make space for personal opinions. After all, if a small cheer during a baseball game snowballs into a national scandal, it reflects more on the ecosystem than the individual.
Several online suggestions called for clear behavioral guidelines for idols at official events—not as censorship tools, but to avoid misunderstandings that provoke outrage before dialogue.
What Comes Next?
Three days after the incident, the group’s agency released a public statement, acknowledging fan concerns while asking for understanding toward Kevin. However, for many, the moment has already become a touchpoint in a broader conversation about the state of modern fandom.
Kevin’s case serves as a modern parable (moral story)—one where idol culture confronts its own contradictions. Fans want connection, yet demand perfection. Idols want to be real, yet risk flak (harsh criticism) for doing so.
At a time when social media has made every slip visible and permanent, perhaps the real challenge lies in building a culture that leaves room for mistakes, growth, and yes—cheering for your team, even in the wrong stadium.
