IVE member Jang Wonyoung added another global milestone to her career after making her Major League Baseball (MLB) ceremonial first pitch debut at Citi Field in New York.
On July 26 (local time), Jang Wonyoung took the mound before the New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game, marking her first appearance as a ceremonial pitcher in Major League Baseball. Although she previously threw the first pitch twice in Korea’s KBO League, this was her first experience on an MLB field.
Wearing a customized New York Mets pinstripe jersey styled as a trendy cropped top, paired with light-wash bootcut jeans and sneakers, the K-pop star instantly drew attention from fans in the stadium.
Holding her baseball glove with confidence, Jang greeted the crowd with a blown kiss and playful wink before delivering the ceremonial pitch. From her focused pitching stance to her bright smile afterward, every moment looked photo-ready, earning enthusiastic cheers from baseball fans and K-pop supporters alike.
The New York Mets shared photos and videos of Jang Wonyoung’s appearance through the club’s official social media channels, highlighting the excitement surrounding her visit.
During IVE’s stay in the United States, the group also reportedly filmed special baseball-related content alongside former MLB pitchers Kim Byung-hyun and Dustin Nippert, raising anticipation among fans.
Meanwhile, IVE is continuing its “SHOW WHAT I AM” North American World Tour. After a successful performance in Austin, the group will visit major cities including Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, and Vancouver, expanding its growing global presence.
Why This Matters
Jang Wonyoung’s MLB first pitch reflects the increasing influence of K-pop stars in American sports and entertainment. As Korean idols continue appearing at major international sporting events, collaborations between global sports franchises and K-pop artists are becoming increasingly common.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
From fashion to baseball, Jang Wonyoung once again proved why she’s one of K-pop’s biggest global trendsetters. Her MLB debut wasn’t just a ceremonial pitch—it showcased how K-pop continues to bridge music, fashion, and sports on the world stage.


