Actress Lee Joo-young Sparks Debate with First Pitch at 2025 KBO Game
On June 22, 2025, South Korean actress Lee Joo-young took the mound at Incheon SSG Landers Field to deliver the ceremonial first pitch at a KBO game between the SSG Landers and the KIA Tigers. Her performance, inspired by her lead role in the film Baseball Girl, was met with loud cheers and applause from fans in attendance.
Lee didn't just throw out a pitch—she hosted fan events, posed for selfies, and engaged with the crowd, blurring the lines between celebrity culture and professional sports. While she brought screen-worthy style and poise to the field, her appearance sparked a nationwide debate: are celebrity pitches a fun blend of pop culture and athletics, or are they a distraction from the real sport?
The Allure of Celebrity First Pitches
In recent years, ceremonial first pitches have become a cultural moment in Korean baseball, much like in the United States. Stars from film, music, and even influencers are regularly invited to toss the first ball of the game—a marketing move that boosts media coverage and fan engagement.
Lee Joo-young’s appearance felt especially meaningful because of her 2020 film Baseball Girl, which tells the story of a young woman fighting to break into pro baseball. Seeing her on a real mound years later provided fans with a rare cinematic full circle. For many, her pitch wasn’t just PR—it was personal.
These events also help cultivate casual fandom. Kids and adults who aren’t regular baseball viewers may tune in for celebrities, then stay for the innings. Social media explodes with gifs, memes, and fan reactions, expanding the reach of the league beyond its die-hard followers.
The Criticism: A Shiny Distraction?
Still, not everyone is cheering. Some fans argue that entertainers stepping onto the field cheapens the sport’s integrity. Baseball, like all professional sports, is rooted in competition, skill, and discipline. Turning the pitcher's mound into a red carpet moment may dilute that seriousness.
And while Lee’s pitch was graceful, not every celebrity brings athleticism to the table. Some struggle to throw the ball 60 feet. Others use awkward or overly theatrical forms, drawing chuckles instead of admiration. Many critics believe these offbeat performances undercut the professionalism expected before a big game.
There’s also the issue of overexposure. With more and more celebrity appearances, some games risk becoming sideshows. When every first pitch becomes a meme-worthy sensation, it subtly shifts the spotlight away from talented athletes and the game they're about to play.
Finding the Balance
The Lee Joo-young moment illustrates the tension modern sports face: how to stay fun, relevant, and profitable without losing the heart of the game. Blending entertainment and athletics is a tricky recipe—because what energizes one part of the audience could alienate another.
That said, not all first pitches are created equal. When executed with thought and authenticity—as Lee’s was—they can elevate the event. Her connection to Baseball Girl, her effort to nail the throw, and her genuine interaction with fans distinguished her appearance from emptier promotions.
Leagues like the KBO, and MLB in the U.S., would do well to be strategic about these collaborations. Rather than chasing clout (i.e., online fame), the goal should be to celebrate people and stories that align with the sport’s values and inspire fans both old and new.
A Cultural Snapshot
In an age where athletes are treated like influencers and influencers aspire to be athletes, events like Lee’s pitch reflect broader shifts in how we experience sports. For younger fans especially, a game isn’t just about balls and strikes—it’s a media event, a fan experience, a viral clip waiting to happen.
For older fans or purists, this evolution may feel disorienting or frustrating. But it’s possible that both values—excellence in athletics and meaningful entertainment—can coexist. It’s not about picking sides; it’s about keeping the main game strong while using moments like Lee’s to invite more people in.
The Final Score
At the heart of the Lee Joo-young first pitch debate is a question sports leagues around the world are grappling with: where do we draw the line between showmanship and sport? For now, her appearance stands as a well-received blend of both—a moment that connected pop culture and professional athletics without entirely losing focus.
As ceremonial pitches continue in Korea and elsewhere, the key will be context. A relevant, respectful, and prepared celebrity can enhance the game experience. But leagues must remember: baseball is loved not for who opens the show, but for the fierce and beautiful competition that follows.
