Contrasting with the controversy over 'pro-Japanese collaborators' in the entertainment industry, LG has taken a different path by inviting Park Hwan-hee, granddaughter of an independence activist, to throw the ceremonial first pitch... The 'winning girl group' is also set to take the stage at Jamsil.

*This content was translated by AI.

In contrast to the entertainment industry's turmoil over great-great-grandfather's pro-Japanese collaboration controversy, a move has emerged in the sports world: professional baseball team LG Twins has invited descendants of independence activists to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

On the 13th, LG announced that it will hold a victory prayer ceremonial first pitch ahead of the three-game weekend series against SSG Landers at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium from August 14 to 16.

While the ceremonial first pitchers for the three-game series boast impressive lineups, actress Park Hwan-hee (36), a descendant of independence activist the late Mr. Ha Jong-jin, will throw the pitch on August 15, Liberation Day. Mr. Ha Jong-jin began his independence movement in March 1919 by distributing Korean flags during the Manse demonstration in Anui-myeon, Hamyang County, Gyeongnam Province. He later led the Daegu High School student protest movement.

In 1923, he was imprisoned at Seodaemun Prison for leading a strike against the Seoul Streetcar Company in protest of ethnic discrimination. In 1925, he was arrested by Japanese police while planning armed struggle with comrades through the secret organization 'Jinwoo League'. The government posthumously awarded Mr. Ha Jong-jin the Order of National Merit (Aejujang) in 1990 to honor his contributions.

Park Hwan-hee, granddaughter of Mr. Ha Jong-jin and the ceremonial first pitcher, gained public recognition for her role as the youngest nurse in the drama 'Descendants of the Sun'. Through LG, Park stated, "It is an honor to stand on the mound on this meaningful Liberation Day. I am grateful for the freedom we enjoy today thanks to independence activists including my maternal grandfather. Hoping for LG Twins' victory, I will throw the ball with all my might."

In the first game of the series, Moon Sang-hoon, a 'actor and comedian' well-known as an LG die-hard fan, suffered an Achilles tendon rupture while throwing the ceremonial first pitch in September 2023 but drew attention for completing the pitch despite his injury. One year later, after recovering from his injury, he returned to the mound on September 4, 2024, becoming LG's victory fairy once again. Moon Sang-hoon stated, "This year too, I will cheer loudly for an undefeated LG."

On the 16th, TripleS member Yeonji will throw the ceremonial first pitch, while Mayu will take the plate as the batter. LG has won all four home games where TripleS members have served as ceremonial first pitchers or batters, starting with Kim Yu-yeon and Kim Chae-yeon in 2025, followed by this year's Kim Chae-yeon, Lee Ji-woo, Jung Ha-yeon, Park So-hyun, and Nien.

Ceremonial first pitcher Yeonji stated, "I am so excited and nervous about my first ceremonial first pitch, but it is meaningful to share this first experience with LG Twins." Batter Mayu said, "I played baseball frequently when I was young, so I am so happy to stand on the field as a batter. I will always cheer for LG Twins."

Meanwhile, from August 14 to 16, LG will operate an 'Summer Season Outfield Water Zone' during its three-game weekend series against SSG Landers to help fans beat the midsummer heat. Additionally, on the 15th and 16th, a PaderNurse collaboration pop-up store will be held at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium outfield catchball field.

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*This content was translated by AI.