U-Know Yunho returns to the Gwangju mound after 8 years; Han Ji-hye to pitch for KIA fans

Singer U-Know Yunho and actress Han Ji-hye will stand on the mound at Gwangju KIA Champions Field. This is a visit where the two will personally travel to Gwangju for a regular weekend game where no special events are scheduled.

This marks the first time U-Know Yunho has stepped onto the mound at the Gwangju stadium since the opening game 8 years ago. This ceremonial first pitch is not merely a promotional schedule, but stems from the affection both individuals hold for the KIA Tigers.

A KIA official stated, "Since both of them are fans who especially cherish KIA, they consider this ceremonial pitch to be a sincere honor."

U-Know Yunho's ceremonial pitch at Gwangju stadium after 8 years

In the past, there was a significant difference in the atmosphere regarding recruiting ceremonial pitchers for regional baseball clubs compared to Seoul-based teams. Even about 10 years ago, top-tier celebrities preferred pitching at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul due to its high topicality and attention, while regional clubs often faced an atmosphere where even if they wanted to invite celebrities, away-game ceremonial pitches were not welcomed.

At that time, it was common for politicians or local business leaders to take on the role of ceremonial pitchers for regional clubs. On the other hand, the marketing scene of the Doosan Bears was so competitive in recruiting celebrities that they even had a team leader known as a 'master of recruiting ceremonial pitchers,' and anecdotes were told of singers, actors, and broadcasters lining up to pitch for Doosan.

Pitching at a Seoul stadium was an opportunity for celebrities to increase their recognition and was a great strength to the clubs. This is why marketing officials from regional clubs often said, "We envy the Seoul teams." While celebrity ceremonial pitches did not always receive positive evaluations, they were certainly a card to gather public interest.

Regional stadiums standing before more than 20,000 spectators

Now, the atmosphere has changed. It is no longer unfamiliar for full crowds to gather at regional stadiums even for weekend games without special events, and the modernization of stadium facilities and the nationwide baseball fever are changing even the footsteps of celebrities.

A KIA official explained, "It is not an easy task for celebrities to show their faces before a public crowd of more than 20,000 people. Now, a culture has been established where many spectators naturally gather at regional clubs as well."

Because there are fans who fill the stands even on days without any special justification, the ceremonial pitch at the Gwangju stadium was accepted by U-Know Yunho and Han Ji-hye as an opportunity to reveal their feelings toward KIA.

KIA "Expects ceremonial pitch lineup to become more abundant"

Another KIA official said, "Han Ji-hye and U-Know Yunho are celebrities who have a special affection for KIA. They sincerely accept the ceremonial pitch at KIA as an honor. This pitch was made out of their love for KIA."

Following this, they added, "With this occasion, we have come to expect that our club's ceremonial pitch lineup can become very abundant in the future." The trip to Gwangju by U-Know Yunho and Han Ji-hye will remain as a scene where fans and stars meet while looking at the same team, even during an ordinary weekend game.