Sunmi's first ceremonial pitch thwarted twice by extreme weather

Singer Sunmi (34) has seen her attempt at her first-ever ceremonial pitch thwarted twice by consecutive misfortunes: first a heatwave, and now heavy rain. Although she secured the opportunity again in less than a month, she was unable to step onto the mound this time as well, leaving a sense of disappointment.

Sunmi was scheduled to appear as the ceremonial pitcher for the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League game between the Doosan Bears and the Lotte Giants, held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 22nd. However, as rain began to fall ahead of the game, the match was canceled due to rain, and consequently, Sunmi's scheduled pitch could not take place.

Photos released on this day captured Sunmi, wearing a baseball uniform, crouching on one side with her head bowed. Having completed all preparations for her first pitch, her disappointment at missing the opportunity once again was clearly visible in her expression and posture.

This is not the first time Sunmi's ceremonial pitch has been canceled. Previously, on the 4th, she was also scheduled to pitch for the game between the Doosan Bears and the NC Dinos at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, but the game was canceled due to a record-breaking heatwave, preventing her from taking the mound.

While the sweltering heat held her back last time, this time the variable was rain, the exact opposite weather misfortune. In essence, her first-ever ceremonial pitch has been canceled twice due to opposing weather conditions. As a celebrity's ceremonial pitch has become a symbolic stage where sports and pop culture meet rather than just a simple event, this opportunity likely held special meaning for Sunmi.

After debuting as a member of Wonder Girls, Sunmi transitioned to a solo singer and built her own unique musical world. She solidified her position as a solo artist by releasing a string of hits such as "24 Hours Is Not Enough," "Full Moon," "Gashina," and "Protagonist," based on her signature dreamy yet intense performances.

On the 15th of last month, she released her new digital single "Forever July" and has continued her activities on music shows and various festival stages. It is an ironic situation that Sunmi, who has always shown a powerful presence on stage, was blocked twice by the weather when it came to the baseball mound.

Having swallowed her disappointment twice, fans' attention is now focused on whether Sunmi's "third attempt" at a ceremonial pitch will finally come to fruition. All eyes are on whether the weather will finally allow Sunmi to take the mound.