Wendy, Johnny, Wooyoung WBC ceremonial first pitch

K-pop artists will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) Tokyo Round for Group C. WBCI announced that K-pop stars will participate as special ceremonial pitchers to cheer on the South Korean national baseball team at the tournament, held from March 5 to 10 at the Tokyo Dome in Japan.

The South Korean team will play Czech Republic on the 5th, Japan on the 7th, Taiwan on the 8th, and Australia on the 9th in the Group C preliminary round. K-pop artists are scheduled to throw the first pitch for three games, excluding the match against Japan, to add to the excitement at the venue.

Wendy of Red Velvet will throw the first pitch for the game against the Czech Republic on the 5th. Wendy stated, "I am truly honored to throw the first pitch on a global stage. It is even more meaningful to be able to directly support the South Korean national team at the WBC, and I hope my pitch can convey positive energy and good luck to the players."

Johnny of NCT will throw the first pitch for the game against Taiwan on the 8th. Johnny is known as a baseball enthusiast who shares in-depth discussions about baseball as the MC for MLB Korea's baseball talk show, 'Major League Talk.' Johnny said, "Through 'Major League Talk,' I have come to deeply understand the strategy, tension, and passion of baseball. It is very meaningful to now be able to directly join the South Korean national team's games at the WBC, and I will cheer louder than anyone else, looking forward to an unforgettable game."

Wooyoung of ATEEZ will be the ceremonial pitcher for the final game against Australia on the 9th. Wooyoung said, "I am both excited and nervous to throw the first pitch in front of the national team players. It is a great honor to be able to support the South Korean national team players on the world stage. I want to convey strong positive energy and contribute to decorating the final preliminary game with a victory."