On August 29, a complaint was officially filed about WINNER member Lee Seung Hoon’s unconventional behavior during a ceremonial first pitch. The incident, which occurred the previous day at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan, sparked controversy and debate among fans and sports officials alike.

Lee Seung Hoon, known for his energetic performances with WINNER, was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game between the Lotte Giants and the Hanwha Eagles. A native of Busan, he greeted the crowd with enthusiasm, shouting, “The WINNER of Lotte is here. Applause for the Giants! I will give you all the winning energy of WINNER.” But instead of continuing with a traditional pitch, Lee Seung Hoon turned the moment into a short dance routine lasting 18 seconds.

The dance, which included exaggerated throwing motions and an enthusiastic mood, seemed to be an impromptu addition rather than a planned part of the ceremony. Catcher Son Seong Bin was seen in his stance waiting for a throw that never came, and had to retrieve the ball after it bounced high and went behind him. This departure from the expected routine of the first throw led to some discontent.

The complaint from a concerned netizen called on KBO Commissioner Heo Koo Yeon to look into such incidents and stressed the need for measures to prevent disruptions during ceremonial pitches. The netizen wanted to ensure that such performances do not disrupt the flow of the game or affect the traditional nature of the first pitch.

Despite the criticism, Lee Seung Hoon seemed delighted with his performance, sharing a video of the event on his personal social media account with the caption “First pitch #LotteGiants,” suggesting that he viewed the moment as a fun and memorable experience rather than a breach of protocol.

Watch the video here;

While Lee Seung Hoon’s dance may have added a unique twist to the event, it also underscores the importance of adhering to established norms and expectations. While fans and officials continue to voice their opinions, it remains to be seen how future ceremonial pitches will be handled following this incident.

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