[OSENWORLD] BTS member V delivered a memorable ceremonial first pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers — but the night’s story began even before he stepped onto the mound, when he shared a surprise FaceTime call with fellow Korean star and Dodgers infielder Kim Hye-seong.
On Aug. 26, the Dodgers’ official Instagram posted a clip of the two chatting virtually. 'Since Kim Hye-seong couldn’t come to meet his favorite artist today, he greeted him via FaceTime instead,' the caption read. Kim, currently rehabbing a left shoulder injury with Triple-A Oklahoma City, smiled as he greeted V with, “Hi, I’m a fan.” V replied warmly: “Wow, it’s an honor for me too. I heard you couldn’t make it today because of your injury?” Kim admitted he wished he could attend, and V promised, “It would’ve been great to meet in person. Let’s make it happen next time.”
Kim added that he hopes to rejoin the Dodgers soon, and V told him: “When you’re back in L.A., let’s definitely meet. I’d love to learn from you — I’ve never been formally taught, but I always wanted to.” Kim laughed and assured, “Anytime, I’ll show you.” V then clenched his fist, declaring: “I’ll do my best today.”
That evening, V took the field at Dodger Stadium in a Dodgers uniform, with BTS’s hit “MIC Drop” shaking the stands. Throwing left-handed, he delivered his ceremonial pitch to thunderous cheers, then electrified the stadium by shouting the Dodgers’ iconic phrase, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” — made legendary by broadcaster Vin Scully.
Commentators called V “a global sensation,” noting that ticket sales surged more than fivefold once his appearance was announced, briefly crashing StubHub’s servers. They even joked, “That breaking ball looked so good — sign him now.”
Afterward, V reflected through BigHit Music: “I once watched a Dodgers game with the members right after debut. Coming back here brought back those memories, and it was so much fun. Throwing the first pitch in a place tied to those early memories was especially meaningful. If I get another chance, I’d like to learn properly and do it again. I’m grateful for all the ARMY and baseball fans who cheered so passionately.”
From his FaceTime with Kim Hye-seong to his pitch on the mound, V united K-pop and MLB in one unforgettable night, proving once again the scale of his global influence.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Dodgers SNS
