Last season, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League broke through 10 million spectators for the first time in history, marking a significant milestone in Korean professional baseball. In response, the KBO set a new target of 12 million for the 2025 season, and given the current attendance trends in the first half, it seems likely that this goal can be easily achieved.
Such explosive increases in attendance did not happen by chance. Behind this lies the proactive and aggressive marketing strategy of KBO President Heo Koo-yeon. As someone involved in the baseball community, I want to evaluate that the achievements of this season were more planned than any other year.
Above all, the introduction of the "Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS)" system played a significant role. It is true that there were many concerns and skepticism among fans and on-site during the early introduction of this system. I also remember expressing my concerns after many conversations with President Heo. However, he made a decisive choice, and with the establishment of a fair judgment system, positive changes occurred for both fans and players. The long-standing controversy over judgment disputes has noticeably diminished.
The implementation of the "Pitch Clock" has also accelerated the pace of games, reducing game time by more than 10 minutes on average. This aligns with the preferences of the MZ generation, which favors fast tempos. The improvements in most stadium facilities, except for Jamsil and Sajik Stadiums, have also enhanced the comfort of watching games. Especially amid rising costs for other recreational activities, baseball still provides 3 to 4 hours of enjoyment at a relatively low price, making it an attractive choice for fans.
Another achievement of the first half is the expansion of the All-Star break period. In response to player requests, a four-day rest was granted, which has been a great help in maintaining performance and preparing for the second half. It is impressive that both player welfare and convenience for fans were considered throughout the overall season operation.
In the first half of this year, attendance exceeded 7.5 million, an increase of 1.1 million compared to the same period last year, and 210 out of 440 home games were sold out, truly creating a "baseball festival time." In the promotional sector, the KBO effectively provided highlight videos within 40 seconds through both wired and wireless broadcasting rights agreements, allowing fans to freely share these on social media. Now, baseball has established itself not just as a sport but as a play content for the MZ generation. Various activities such as merchandise production and the use of YouTube are leading this change.
However, I am confronted with another reality behind this splendid achievement of professional baseball. That reality is the crisis of amateur baseball.
Recently, while watching the Cheongryonggi National High School Baseball Tournament hosted by the Chosunilbo, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of regret. Despite being the most prestigious tournament in the country, the stands shown on TV were empty, with only 20 to 30 parents cheering. As the reality of amateur baseball shrinks like this, I feel heavy-hearted as someone who has been a custodian of its roots.
Every year, about 1,100 high school players graduate, but only about 100 advance to professional leagues. Most players from more than 100 high school baseball teams and around 50 college teams eventually leave baseball without anyone noticing. Viable ideas are lacking, the number of students is declining, and the economic situation is worsening. Under these circumstances, it is inevitable that team operations will become increasingly difficult.
At times like this, the KBO should implement aggressive support measures for amateur baseball. Currently, student baseball is maintained only with the burden of parents. If amateur baseball, which is the lifeblood of professional baseball, collapses, the professional leagues will eventually be shaken. Therefore, it is essential to harness the current explosive popularity to revitalize amateur baseball for the sustainability of professional baseball.
Currently, the KBO supports amateur baseball with about 1 billion won each year, but additional systemic support is needed, such as making it mandatory to donate 100 to 200 won when purchasing tickets. This would enable the baseball association to operate more stably. I believe now is indeed the "time" for that.
If the performance and popularity of professional baseball can be maintained stably as they are now, the association will be able to move in a healthier direction. One day, the current single-team system may become too burdensome, leading to a transition to a combined high school baseball team.
President Heo Koo-yeon is a person with excellent drive and ideas. I sincerely hope that he will prepare specific measures for the revival of amateur baseball during his term, and that the KBO Baseball Development Committee will strongly support this.
July 12, 2025
By Kim So-sik (former Vice President of the Korea Baseball Association, former President of Ilgu Association)