BTS member V and soccer star Son Heung-min will each throw ceremonial first pitches at Dodger Stadium, a moment that has generated worldwide fan interest and strong ticket demand.
On August 17, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced on social media platform X that V would take the mound on August 25, sharing his photo with the caption, “ARMY, are you ready?” The post drew more than 70,000 likes and over 40,000 shares in just one day. Shortly after the announcement, MLB and Dodgers ticket websites temporarily went down as fans rushed to buy seats.
Members of the BTS ARMY organized on Threads, encouraging each other to purchase tickets and “show ARMY power.” Families also made arrangements to attend. Jamie Valencia said her daughter, a BTS fan, requested a half-day leave from work to see V in person. Valencia added that her daughter’s friend and husband also took time off so they could enter the stadium early before the 7:10 p.m. game on August 25.
Earlier, on August 13, the Dodgers announced that Son Heung-min would throw the first pitch on August 27. Son reposted the announcement on his own account with the comment, “I’ll need to practice,” which raised anticipation among his supporters.
Fans expressed excitement over a possible meeting between Son Heung-min and Shohei Ohtani, calling it a historic moment between Korea’s and Japan’s biggest sports stars. Many also looked forward to Son greeting Dodgers players Hye-seong Kim and Tommy Edman (Korean name Hyun-su Kwak).
By 2 p.m. on August 18, all infield seats near home plate for both games featuring the first pitches were already sold out.
For 25-year-old Sungyeon Park of Irvine, the moment holds special pride. “I often watch games at Dodger Stadium, but seeing Son Heung-min and V, who represent Korea, take the mound in the same series is truly meaningful,” he said.
The Dodgers will host the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series beginning August 25. V will throw the first pitch on August 25 at 7:10 p.m., and Son Heung-min will follow on August 27 at 5:40 p.m.
These appearances by two of Korea’s biggest stars highlight the global reach of Hallyu (the Korean Wave) and mark a significant moment connecting the Dodgers with the Korean American community.
BY YEONGCHAE SONG [song.yeongchae@koreadaily.com]
