Global superstar V, a member of the iconic group BTS, is set to bring his charm and charisma to the baseball field.
The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced on August 17, 2025 (local time), that V will throw the ceremonial first pitch at their upcoming game on August 25.
The match, which pits the Dodgers against the Cincinnati Reds, is scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The announcement has stirred excitement among both K-pop fans and MLB followers, merging two powerhouse fanbases in what is expected to be an unforgettable moment on the mound.
A Pitch That Symbolizes Cultural Crossover
Ceremonial first pitches at major league games are traditionally reserved for figures of prominence—politicians, athletes, actors, and influential public figures.
V’s selection to open the game reflects not only his global fame, but also the increasing influence of Korean culture on American entertainment and sports.
While several Korean athletes have graced MLB fields before, it’s rare for a K-pop idol to take on this ceremonial role, particularly one at the level of V, who has become a symbol of modern-day global pop culture.
The Dodgers’ Instagram announcement, complete with a photo teaser of V in a Dodgers jersey, was met with immediate fanfare.
Comments flooded in from around the world, praising the collaboration and expressing anticipation for the historic moment.
Why the Dodgers Chose V
The Los Angeles Dodgers have long celebrated diversity and have a particularly strong fan base among Asian and international audiences.
In recent years, they’ve made conscious efforts to connect with K-pop culture and the Korean community in L.A., including celebrating Korean Heritage Night and hosting K-pop-themed events.
Choosing V to throw the ceremonial pitch is a strategic and celebratory move.
It strengthens ties with BTS’s massive fanbase, ARMY, while also elevating the entertainment value of the game.
It’s a win-win for both the Dodgers and fans attending the game in person and watching online.
V’s Rising Global Presence Beyond Music
While V is known for his deep, soulful voice as part of BTS, he’s also earned acclaim as a solo artist, actor, and fashion icon.
His presence at Dodger Stadium continues his expansion into various arenas of global culture, from luxury fashion ambassadorships to acting roles and solo music projects.
Earlier this year, V made headlines with his critically praised solo project “Layover,” and has continued to be active during BTS’s group hiatus due to members’ military service.
His unique combination of stage presence, modesty, and global appeal makes him an ideal guest for high-profile appearances like this.
V’s participation also follows a growing trend of Korean artists making appearances at global sporting events.
In previous years, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and other idols have participated in various sports-related ceremonies, but V’s pitch at one of the MLB’s most iconic stadiums puts him in a league of his own.
What to Expect on Game Day
Fans attending the Dodgers vs. Reds game on August 25 are in for a unique experience. With the game scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. PT, V is expected to make his appearance shortly before the first inning begins.
The ceremonial first pitch is a brief but symbolic moment that often garners global media attention—especially when performed by international celebrities.
There’s also speculation about whether V will greet fans or interact with Dodgers players. Given his known athleticism (evident from his years on BTS’s variety content), fans are hoping for a solid pitch—and maybe even a memorable reaction from the crowd.
While no additional performance or meet-and-greet has been announced, the presence of one of BTS’s most beloved members is expected to draw increased attendance and boost the cultural impact of the game.
Fans React: ARMY Lights Up Social Media
Within minutes of the Dodgers’ announcement, the hashtags #VxDodgers, #TaehyungFirstPitch, and #VAtDodgerStadium began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of ARMY members expressing excitement, booking tickets, and organizing fan projects.
Some fans based in California have started creating custom signs and fan gear to show their support at the stadium.
Others are arranging watch parties, both online and in-person, to witness what is sure to be a viral moment.
ARMYs have also praised V for his continued visibility during BTS’s hiatus and his ability to represent K-pop in mainstream Western media spaces with class and elegance.
A Historic Day in the Making
This upcoming appearance adds another chapter to V’s ever-growing legacy. His role in throwing the first pitch isn’t just a promotional event—it’s a celebration of the intersection between sports, music, and cultural diplomacy.
As K-pop continues to expand its global influence, moments like this reinforce the mutual respect and collaborative spirit between Korean artists and Western platforms.
