BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, is set to throw the first pitch at the Los Angeles Dodgers game on August 25th. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the news on their official social media on August 18th, asking fans, "ARMY, you ready?". This announcement has sparked enthusiastic reactions from fans worldwide.
V's appearance at Dodger Stadium marks his first time throwing a ceremonial first pitch, generating significant interest among fans. The Dodgers will be playing against the Cincinnati Reds. The announcement of V throwing the first pitch led to a surge in traffic on ticketing platforms, causing temporary disruptions.
The Dodgers seem to be leveraging the "celebrity effect" by inviting V to throw the first pitch. This strategy mirrors the increased viewership of the Super Bowl due to Taylor Swift's connection with Travis Kelce. A Variety report indicated that 20% of viewers tuned into the Super Bowl because of Swift's relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end. The Dodgers are hoping to create a similar buzz by inviting V.
BTS has a history of mixing music with sports. Suga has served as a global ambassador for the NBA, and other members have been seen attending games. In 2019, Suga visited Dodger Stadium as a fan of pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin.
Currently, the BTS members are in the U.S. working on a new album, with a comeback as a full group planned for the spring of 2026. They have been communicating with fans through platforms like Weverse, sharing updates on their activities.
V's participation in the first pitch is expected to highlight his global presence. He has previously worked as a model for luxury brands, beverage companies, and coffee brands. There is also speculation about a potential meeting between V and Kim Hyesung, a player with the Los Angeles Dodgers.