On October 10, Choi Hyun-wook issued an apology following controversy over his ceremonial pitch at a recent KBO playoff game.
The incident occurred during Game 1 of the KBO semi-playoffs between the SSG Landers and Samsung Lions at Incheon’s SSG Landers Field on October 9. Choi Hyun-wook was invited as the ceremonial pitcher, while a young child fan served as the batter.
However, what was expected to be a lighthearted moment quickly turned tense when Choi Hyun-wook visibly nervous threw a fast and forceful pitch. The ball soared past the child’s head, narrowly avoiding contact, prompting gasps from the audience and a visible stir in the crowd.
Following criticism online, many netizens pointed out that Choi Hyun-wook, who once played baseball in high school, threw with excessive force. Some baseball fans also noted that he interacted with the catcher but did not greet or acknowledge the child batter, which they found disappointing.
Choi Hyun-wook responded to the incident via the fan communication platform Bubble , saying:
“I was really nervous yesterday, and the ball slipped out of my hand. I will try to reach out to the young batter and their parents today or tomorrow to personally apologize.”
He continued: “I was so excited to be back at a ballpark after a long time. I should have thrown the ball gently, especially with a child standing at bat, but in my nervous state, I forgot. I truly apologize.”
In the early hours of October 11, a woman identifying herself as the mother of the child batter (referred to as A) left a comment under the viral video post, stating: “I’m the mother of the child who took part in the first pitch that day. I trusted that everything would be done safely, but watching it now, it feels terrifying.”
Her comment quickly spread across community forums, fueling concern over safety measures during ceremonial first pitches involving minors.
Choi Hyun-wook made his debut in the 2019 web drama Real:Time:Love and has since starred in popular dramas like Twenty-Five Twenty-One , Weak Hero Class 1 , Racket Boys , High Cookie , and The Boy Who Looks Like a Black Dragon . He is also set to appear in Netflix’s upcoming drama The Boy in the Last Row next year.
Sources: JTBC
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