Choi Hyun Wook Apologizes For First Pitch Controversy

Choi Hyun Wook apologizes for his dangerous baseball pitch.
He faced major public criticism online.
The child's family received a formal apology letter.

Choi Hyun Wook, the actor celebrated for his roles in hit series like 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' and 'Weak Hero Class 1', recently found himself in the center of a public storm, not for a new drama, but for a controversial pitch at a baseball game. The incident, which saw him throwing a dangerously fast ball near a young child, sparked immediate criticism and concern online and among spectators, forcing the actor and his agency into a cycle of reflection and public apology.

Recognizing the growing discontent and potential harm caused, Hyun Wook and his agency, Gold Medalist, moved swiftly to address the issue. They issued formal statements expressing deep regret and taking full responsibility for the lapse in judgment, aiming to quell the controversy and sincerely apologize to the child and his family.

The Origin of Choi Hyun Wook's Baseball Pitch Controversy

The incident unfolded on October 9th during the first game of the KBO League semi-playoffs between the SSG Landers and Samsung Lions at the Incheon SSG Landers Field. Choi Hyun Wook, who has a personal history with the sport having played baseball as a catcher until his first year of high school, was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Taking the mound with confidence, he unleashed a powerful fastball. However, the pitch immediately went awry, veering off-course and flying alarmingly close to the head of the young fan who was standing in as the ceremonial batter. The moment was tense and shocking for everyone watching, including commentators and the live audience.

While the child was not seriously injured, the potential for a severe accident was clear. The situation was further exacerbated when Hyun Wook bowed to the crowd and exited the field without first checking on the well-being of the startled child. The criticism intensified when the child's mother expressed her fear in a social media comment, stating like, "I thought it would be safe, but now that I see it, it feels terrifying."

Choi Hyun Wook's Sincere Apology

The backlash was swift and sharp, with netizens and news outlets criticizing the actor for his recklessness and lack of awareness given the presence of a young child. In response, a formal apology was issued by his agency, Gold Medalist, on October 13th.

The agency conveyed that the actor felt a "deep sense of responsibility" for what happened. They admitted that he should have been more conscious of safety hazards as the pitcher and acknowledged their own shortcomings in on-site management and prior coordination. Most importantly, the agency revealed that they had contacted the child's family through the baseball team.

"We contacted the guardian today through the team and delivered Choi Hyun Wook's apology letter. Thankfully, the young batter's family has been very understanding," stated Gold Medalist.

Even before the agency's official statement, Choi Hyun Wook took to the fan platform Bubble on October 10th to personally address his fans and express his remorse. He provided context, explaining his nervousness and excitement at attending a live game after so long.

"I should have thrown the ball slowly and from a closer distance since a young child was standing there, but I was so nervous that I didn't think of that. I'm truly sorry," He said.

"I was so nervous during the first pitch yesterday that the ball slipped. If I can reach the child batter and their parents today or tomorrow, I'll personally apologize," Choi Hyun Wook continued.

Following this controversy, fans are now looking forward to seeing Choi Hyun Wook back in his element which is acting. The actor was most recently seen in the drama 'My Dearest Nemesis' alongside Moon Ga Young, and audiences are eager to see him channel his energy into his future projects, hopefully leaving this pitch behind him.

Source: Allkpop, dispatch.co.kr. Newsis, Joy News 24, Xsports News