From Karina’s Crop Top to J-Hope’s Designer Kicks: K-pop Stars Are Owning the First Pitch Runway

2025-04-02 12:22

add remove print link

Baseball's New Fashion Runway

With the start of the Korea's baseball(KBO) season since March, the spotlight isn’t just on the players—it’s also on the stars stepping up to throw the ceremonial first pitch. From K-pop idols to top actors, these appearances have become a new kind of runway moment.

What they wear is just as talked about as how they throw.

A photo of a baseball stadium to help readers visualize the scene. / News1
A photo of a baseball stadium to help readers visualize the scene. / News1

Let’s break down the three main style categories we’ve seen on the mound—and the celebrities who absolutely owned them.

1️⃣ The Effortless Classic: Uniform + Denim (and Crop Tops Too)

This go-to look is simple, clean, and undeniably iconic. Think classic baseball jerseys paired with jeans, or even cropped tops for a touch of modern flair. It’s the fashion equivalent of a straight-down-the-middle pitch—reliable, photogenic, and fan-approved.

Who wore it best: Karina (aespa) and Ahyeon (BABYMONSTER) both nailed the crop-top + jeans combo with youthful charm.

Karina's Look. / Busan Lotte giants's Instagram
Karina's Look. / Busan Lotte giants's Instagram
Karina's Look. / Busan Lotte giants's Instagram
Karina's Look. / Busan Lotte giants's Instagram

The crop top + jeans combo has become the go-to look for women at Korean baseball games—a true fashion rule of the field. By adjusting the length of the crop top or switching up the fit of the jeans—whether it's bootcut, skinny, or straight—you can easily make the look your own.

Babymonster members! / Babymonster's Instagram
Babymonster members! / Babymonster's Instagram

Ahyeon of BABYMONSTER showed off her flair on the mound with a stylish pitch in support of the Doosan Bears. Rocking an ultra-cropped top, she proved that even a sporty moment can be a fashion statement.

Other members of BABYMONSTER also brought their own style to the game, with some layering varsity jackets and others showing off unique takes on sporty-chic fashion to cheer on the team.

Jeno (NCT) kept it clean and sporty, winning both hearts and style points.

NCT Jeno. / NCT Jeno's Instagram
NCT Jeno. / NCT Jeno's Instagram

Jeno (NCT) kept it classic with a Samsung Lions jersey, matching cap, and light-wash jeans. His look proved that you don’t need to go over the top—sometimes, the clean and timeless combo is the winning pitch.

Youtube NCT

2️⃣ Bold & Personal: Turning the Mound Into a Catwalk

Some stars don’t follow trends—they set them. These celebs bring their own vibe to the stadium, often mixing designer pieces, streetwear, or unexpected layers that make their look truly one-of-a-kind.

J-Hope. / BIGHIT MUSIC's Instagram
J-Hope. / BIGHIT MUSIC's Instagram

Notable names: J-Hope (BTS): A standout with his signature street fashion—think luxury sneakers and offbeat layering.

J-Hope (BTS) turned heads at the KIA Tigers game not just with his pitch—but with his shoes. He showed up in the Louis Vuitton LV Trainer Maxi Sneakers, which retail for around 2.47 million KRW (approx. $1,800 USD). His bold choice and impeccable fashion sense once again proved why he’s a style icon, even on the baseball field.

Screenshot of Winter ready to throw a ball. / Youtube Bears TV
Screenshot of Winter ready to throw a ball. / Youtube Bears TV

Winter (aespa): Brought high teen-meets-Sporty vibes, blending charm and attitude.

Winter of aespa showed off her fashion sense by layering her uniform over a Polo Ralph Lauren tee featuring Doosan’s bear mascot—a playful and clever touch. She paired it with Bermuda denim shorts and classic New Balance 574s, creating a look that was both sporty and irresistibly cute. The wide-leg denim shorts added an extra dose of uniqueness, putting a fresh spin on ballpark style.

Their looks don’t scream “baseball”—and that’s exactly why we love them.

Youtube BEARS TV

3️⃣ Showstoppers: Attention-Grabbing & Headline-Making

Let’s talk about those unforgettable moments—the stars who really made waves. Whether it’s skin-tight leggings, ultra-short shorts, or dramatic silhouettes, these are the fashion choices that lit up social media and got everyone talking.

Jun Jong-seo. / News1
Jun Jong-seo. / News1

Who caught the spotlight: Actress Jun Jong-seo turned heads with bold leggings and curve-hugging looks. Jun Jong-seo later mentioned on a Youtube BAZAAR Korea that she had no idea her leggings pitch outfit would cause such a stir online.

Jun Jong-seo spoke about her fashion choice. / Youtube BAZAAR Korea
Jun Jong-seo spoke about her fashion choice. / Youtube BAZAAR Korea

Clara: Her first pitch look is still legendary—a moment etched in K-pop fashion history.

Clara's Leggins Fashion. / News1
Clara's Leggins Fashion. / News1

These styles may not be for everyone, but they definitely left a lasting impression.

Final Pitch: What’s Your Style?

Whether you’re a fan of sporty classics, edgy statements, or viral wow-moments, first pitch fashion has become a fun side show to the game.

And let’s be honest—Korea’s baseball stadiums aren’t just for sports. Between the electric crowd, celeb appearances, must-try snacks, and fashion moments, it’s a full-on cultural experience!

So tell us—if you were stepping onto the mound, what would you wear?

home 안정윤 기자 luvg100@wikitree.co.kr

NewsChat