A House Divided: Yeon Jung-hoon and So Yi-hyun Headline Doosan Bears’ Home Opener Series
The energy at Seoul’s Jamsil Baseball Stadium reached a fever pitch this weekend as the Doosan Bears kicked off their home schedule with a high-profile three-game series against the Hanwha Eagles. While the action on the diamond was central, the festivities surrounding the 2026 professional baseball season opener drew equal attention, culminating in a ceremonial appearance by one of South Korea’s most beloved celebrity couples.
On Sunday, April 5, actors So Yi-hyun and Yeon Jung-hoon took to the field to perform the ceremonial first pitch and batting duties. In a narrative that delighted fans, the couple represented a “house divided” in terms of team loyalty: So Yi-hyun is a devoted supporter of the Doosan Bears, while Yeon Jung-hoon holds a long-standing allegiance to the Hanwha Eagles.
The couple’s appearance served as the grand finale to a weekend of celebrity-led celebrations. So Yi-hyun, who previously made headlines during a 2025 appearance with a banner asking if fans were “watching Yeon Jung-hoon,” handled the opening pitch, while Yeon Jung-hoon took his turn at the plate for the ceremonial hit.
A Weekend of Star Power at Jamsil
The Doosan Bears curated a “glamorous” lineup of guests for their home opening series, ensuring that each of the three games from April 3 to April 5 featured a distinct draw for the crowd. For those following the KBO’s cultural impact, these ceremonial events are more than mere formalities. they are key community-building moments that bridge the gap between entertainment and professional sports.
The series began on April 3 with actor Ji Sung, known for his recent role in the drama Judge Lee Han-young. Ji Sung is no stranger to the mound, having previously impressed the crowd with a high-velocity pitch during a 2017 opening game. His return to Jamsil provided a strong start to the weekend’s festivities.
On April 4, the atmosphere shifted from drama to the culinary arts. Renowned chefs Choi Hyun-seok and Sam Kim—both familiar faces from popular variety shows such as Culinary Class Wars (Black and White Chef) and Please Take Care of My Refrigerator—brought their signature chemistry to the stadium. Choi, who previously appeared as a first-pitcher in 2015, handled the throw, while Sam Kim managed the batting.
More Than a Game: The ‘Ensemble’ Performance
Beyond the celebrity pitches, the April 5 game featured a poignant cultural moment during the singing of the national anthem. The stadium welcomed 31 members of the choir from the documentary Ensemble, a project produced by tvN and CJ Donus Camp.
The documentary focuses on the growth of a choir composed of children from 17 different national backgrounds living in South Korea, led by music director Kim Moon-jung. The performance was designed to promote multicultural awareness and inclusivity, adding a layer of social significance to the sporting event.
Quick Look: Opening Series Guest Schedule
To provide a clear view of the weekend’s festivities, here is the breakdown of the ceremonial guests at Jamsil Baseball Stadium:
| Date | Ceremonial Pitcher | Ceremonial Batter/Special Guest |
|---|---|---|
| April 3 | Ji Sung (Actor) | Seoul Metropolitan Youth Choir |
| April 4 | Choi Hyun-seok (Chef) | Sam Kim (Chef) |
| April 5 | So Yi-hyun (Actress) | Yeon Jung-hoon (Actor) |
For global readers, the Jamsil Baseball Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in Asia, serving as the home for both the Doosan Bears and the LG Twins. The “home opener” tradition in Korean baseball is often a massive cultural event, blending athletic competition with high-production entertainment to engage a diverse fan base.
As the 2026 professional baseball season moves past the opening festivities, both the Doosan Bears and the Hanwha Eagles now shift their focus toward the standings and the grueling road to the postseason. While the celebrity glamour of the opening weekend provided a spectacular start, the real work begins as the teams settle into their regular-season rhythms.
Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates on the KBO season and international baseball news. Let us know in the comments who your favorite celebrity fan is in the world of sports.
