"Wow, it's Ryu Hyunjin!" The national baseball team sat next to me... On the way to Saipan where the "surprise fan meeting" took place

*This content was translated by AI.

"Wow, it's Ryu Hyun-jin," "There's Kim Hye-sung, too."

It was a surprise gift for baseball fans. I was able to face baseball stars who were hard to get close to at a close distance and asked for photos and autographs without hesitation. It was like watching a fan meeting.

On the morning of the 9th, those heading overseas through Incheon International Airport saw the stocky men passing by without any problems, and their eyes were wide open. This is because players dressed as the national team were huddled together and wandering around the airport.

They gathered at Incheon International Airport to participate in the first camp in Saipan from the 9th to the 21st in preparation for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March.

After checking the team's schedule, "jjin fans" began to gather one by one at the airport at 6 a.m. He settled down at the departure gate where the team would enter and took pictures without difficulty with the players who had completed the procedure.

It happened to be an unexpected gift for fans whose overseas schedules overlapped. Unlike the check-in counter, which was intertwined with fans, reporters, and security personnel, the players were wandering around waiting for boarding time with the same team or players of their age. For baseball fans who recognized them, it was an opportunity for an "authentication shot" that could never be missed. Unlike in baseball stadiums and event halls, players also readily accepted fans' requests in a relaxed atmosphere.

Baseball fans on the same flight gained unforgettable memories for the rest of their lives. In front of the boarding gate, there was an early fan meeting site. Because it was separated from the general boarding gate, passengers on the same flight had a great opportunity to see and talk to the players they usually supported and receive the fan service they wanted.

The team boarded at once after all ordinary passengers were seated, but passengers, who did not know that they were accompanying the team earlier, were surprised and looked at the players with a curious look.

Usually, baseball teams use business seats when they go to international competitions or overseas training camps. This is because if mixed with ordinary passengers, they may experience inconvenience to each other, and due to the physical characteristics of the players, economy seats are more uncomfortable than ordinary days. Long flights can make this fatigue worse.

Among them, the national flag, which is mainly used by the national team, also has a large number of aircraft with more than 300 seats. That's how many premium seats there are. Even in the economy, there are seats with a rather wide gap between the front and back, and it is usually divided into two compartments, so it is not easy to encounter ordinary passengers.

But why on earth did they make this choice. It wasn't because of lack of money or lack of preparation. There was a reason why it had to be. Currently, there are only two flights from Incheon to Saipan. The rest of the season was scheduled at dawn, so the national team had no choice.

Premium seats were also very limited because it was a small aircraft with less than 200 seats, and a total of 12 business seats went to managers and coaches, and the oldest Noh Kyung-eun, pitcher and field team leader Ryu Hyun-jin and Park Hae-min (LG). World Series winner Kim Hye-sung (LA Dodgers) and 2024 MVP Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) all mixed with ordinary passengers and put themselves in economy seats.

An official from Jeju Air said, "It is the first time that players sit in such a regular seat as a group. There was only one flight (day flight) to Saipan, so I don't think I could help it, he said. "It's a very interesting situation for the passengers and for us."

The plane to Saipan carrying about 50 athletes and ordinary passengers arrived at the airport and turned into a true fan meeting venue. Those who did not notice the existence of the players earlier also made pleasant memories with the players in a more relaxed atmosphere when they got off the only plane that arrived in Saipan during the day.

The fatigue could have been greater than the usual overseas schedule, but it was also a special experience for the players. Won Tae-in said, "It's the first time I've been on a plane with ordinary passengers," and Kim Hye-sung said, "I'm so grateful for the fans' interest." I'm so grateful that you just recognize me, as well as the request for photos and autographs," he said with a smile. "So I responded with such a good heart."

For fans, especially young baseball fans, it will remain a lifelong memory. Lazer Lee, a second-generation Korean-American living in Saipan, who has been on a business trip to Korea, said, "I'm sorry for the players, but I wanted to get an autograph because it's not a common opportunity like this," adding, "I asked Ryu Hyun-jin carefully and he was willing to do it. My son, Yoo Il-yi, loves baseball so much that it's fascinating and exciting. I think it will remain a precious memory," he said with a smile.

Another baseball fan from Seoul said, "I was surprised to see the players at Incheon International Airport, and it was amazing because they were on the same plane," adding, "I'm very satisfied that I shared special experiences with Ryu Hyun-jin and Kim Hye-sung, as well as with players who couldn't easily face each other even when I went to the ballpark."

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*This content was translated by AI.