ARMYs may have to wait a little longer for BTS J-Hope’s first public appearance following military discharge.
On October 21, Dispatch reported that J-Hope will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the second game of the 2024 Korean Series. The second match will feature the KIA Tigers facing off against Samsung Lions at Gwangju KIA Champions Field today (October 22).
The Korean Series faced an unexpected twist due to heavy rain. On the first game day, with Samsung Lions leading 1-0 in the top of the sixth inning, the game was suspended after a 40-minute rain delay.
The suspended game will resume today at 4 PM. The second game is slated to begin an hour later, with J-Hope throwing the ceremonial first pitch for KIA Tigers at KIA Champions Field.
However, the weather forecast predicts 20-60mm of rainfall today, potentially impacting the schedule. As of now, the KBO plans to proceed as scheduled. J-Hope is set to return to the public eye, five days after his military discharge.
The “Neuron” rapper completed his 1-year and 6-month service as an assistant coach on October 17. He is the first BTS member to throw the first pitch individually in Korea.
In 2017, BTS collectively threw the first pitch at a Japanese professional baseball game between the Hanshin Tigers and Nippon-Ham Fighters at Koshien Stadium.
On another note, the Korean Series schedule is uncertain due to rain. If the rain lessens, the games may continue without delay.
Earlier, celebrity pitchers Jeno (NCT) and Xiumin (EXO) were scheduled to appear, but rain caused cancellations and postponements.