Ha Ji-won to make MLB history as first Korean actor to pitch at Fenway Park

Actress Ha Ji-won will take the mound at the iconic Fenway Park to throw a ceremonial pitch, marking the first time a Korean actor has been invited to such a historic stage in Major League Baseball (MLB). The event is drawing significant attention as a symbolic instance of global exchange connecting sports and cultural content.

Ha is scheduled to perform the official ceremonial pitch on the 21st (local time) during the 2026 MLB regular season game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.

Opened in 1912, Fenway Park is one of the oldest ballparks in MLB and is regarded as a sports cultural heritage site that embodies both the symbolism and history of American baseball culture. The significance of this pitch is further amplified by the fact that it is the home stadium of the Boston Red Sox and a legendary venue that holds the legacy of numerous iconic players.

Above all, this event holds special meaning as it is the first instance of a Korean actor stepping onto the mound at Fenway Park as an official ceremonial pitcher. As the global status of K-content continues to rise, experts suggest this marks a new chapter in cultural diplomacy mediated through sports, with a Korean actor being invited to a stage representing Major League Baseball.

This ceremonial pitch was arranged as part of MLB's international marketing strategy to expand its global fanbase and revitalize cultural exchange. MLB, which is expanding communication with fans worldwide through various projects combining sports and entertainment, has been continuously increasing collaborations with Korean artists and actors, reflecting the global influence of Korean cultural content including K-pop and K-drama.

Ha also recently drew attention by serving as a ceremonial pitcher in domestic professional baseball. On the 16th, she performed a ceremonial pitch at the LG Twins vs. KT Wiz game held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, marking her first pitch in about 12 years. She received praise from fans for her stable pitching form and youthful visuals. Since her natural pitching form at the time became a hot topic online, interest is heavily focused on this upcoming MLB appearance.

Through her agency, Ha expressed her feelings, stating, "It is a great honor to be the first Korean actor to throw a ceremonial pitch at Fenway Park, a historic stadium representing Major League Baseball. Since I have practiced for a long time, I want to show a great performance. Not only do I want to pass good energy to the Boston Red Sox players, but I also want to share a meaningful time with the Korean community and baseball fans from all over the world who visit the venue."

Recently, K-culture has been further expanding its global influence through collaborations with the sports sector, moving beyond music, dramas, and films. Analysts suggest that as cases of Korean artists and actors being officially invited to international sporting events to perform roles such as singing, ceremonial pitching, or ceremonial kicking increase, the synergy between cultural content and the sports industry is growing even larger.

Ha has recently taken on new challenges by appearing on music programs with her digital single 'Home Run,' and she is expanding her scope of activity in various fields beyond acting. Additionally, she has shown a new charm by communicating with university students through the web variety show '26th Class Ji-won,' set against the backdrop of Kyung Hee University campus.

Ha is preparing to return to the big screen through the film 'Bikwang,' which is set to be released on September 2. Following her activities as an actress, singer, and variety star, attention is focused on her expanding presence on the global stage through this MLB ceremonial pitch.