Kang Min-hyuk of the band CNBLUE will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the KIA Tigers vs. KT Wiz game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on October 1. His agency, FNC Entertainment, announced the news on the 27th. Known as one of the entertainment industry's most devoted KIA Tigers fans, Kang threw his first-ever ceremonial pitch at the KIA Tigers vs. LG Twins game on September 9, 2023, and last August he served as a special commentator for Major League Baseball broadcasts, continually showing his love for the sport. “It's been only the KIA Tigers for me since kindergarten. I'm a lifelong fan who has wished for a championship every year, so being asked to throw the first pitch again means a lot,” Kang said. “If I could, I'd come every year as a 'regular first-pitch thrower' and someday cheer with them when the Tigers celebrate a championship. I'll throw with all my heart so I can pass on the energy of victory to the players.” Kang will hold a solo fan meeting, 'IF I WERE…', in Taipei on October 10, and with CNBLUE he will perform the finale of the 2026 world tour '3LOGY' in Macau on November 14–15. CNBLUE is also set to hold its first solo concert at Seoul's KSPO DOME next February, 17 years after its debut.