Blab Sports
AHOF Issues Apology After Camera Flash Controversy at Samsung Lions vs. SSG Landers Game
On June 14, 2026, South Korean boy band AHOF performed a ceremonial first pitch and hit at a KBO League game between the Samsung Lions and the SSG Landers held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. The event attracted attention when the group was later criticized for filming in the stands with camera flashes, allegedly disrupting players and obstructing spectators. In the early hours of June 15, F&F Entertainment, AHOF’s agency, issued a formal apology.
The Samsung Lions invited AHOF to participate in the game as part of a promotional partnership. The group’s members Steven and Chihen were selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch and hit, a tradition that signals the start of a professional baseball match. The pitch and hit were completed before the regular game began, and the Lions’ management had confirmed the arrangement in advance of the event.
After the ceremonial segment, members of AHOF were seen filming in the stands with their camera flashes on. Fans and media outlets reported that the flashes disrupted the flow of the game and obscured the view for other spectators. The incident drew criticism from baseball fans who felt that the group’s actions interfered with the players’ focus and the overall spectator experience. The controversy was amplified by social media posts that circulated screenshots of the flashing activity.
In a statement released by F&F Entertainment on June 15, the agency apologized to “players and spectators who were inconvenienced by the filming.” The statement read: “We failed to adequately consider the fact that we could disrupt the players’ game and the spectators’ viewing experience. Our top priority should have been the players and spectators, and we are taking the fact that we fell short in our consideration and preparations very seriously.” The agency pledged to familiarize itself with on‑site guidelines and etiquette to prevent future incidents.
AHOF, whose name is a backronym for All‑time Hall Of Famer, is a nine‑member South Korean boy band formed through the reality competition show Universe League on SBS TV. The group is managed by F&F Entertainment and debuted on July 1, 2025, with the extended play ‘Who We Are.’ Its members include Steven, Jeongwoo, Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, JL, Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke. The band’s activities have included music releases, concerts, and promotional appearances at sporting events.
The Samsung Lions are a professional baseball team based in Daegu and compete in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League. Their home stadium is Daegu Samsung Lions Park, where the June 14 game was played. The SSG Landers, formerly the SK Wyverns, are based in Incheon and play their home games at Incheon SSG Landers Field. Both teams are members of the KBO League, which announced rule changes for the 2026 season allowing teams to add an Asian or Australian import player alongside three foreigners.
The incident has prompted discussions among fans and league officials about the need for clearer guidelines on media presence during games. While the KBO League has not issued a formal statement regarding the controversy, the league’s emphasis on maintaining a respectful environment for players and spectators suggests that the agency’s apology may be viewed as a step toward compliance. The incident also highlights the growing intersection between K-pop promotions and professional sports events in South Korea.
At present, the Samsung Lions and SSG Landers continue their regular season schedule, with the Lions hosting a home game on June 16 and the Landers traveling to face the Kiwoom Heroes on June 17. No disciplinary action has been announced by the KBO League in relation to the filming incident. F&F Entertainment has stated that it will review its protocols and cooperate with league officials to ensure future events comply with venue rules. The situation remains under observation as the league monitors compliance and fan feedback.
The Samsung Lions invited AHOF to participate in the game as part of a promotional partnership. The group’s members Steven and Chihen were selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch and hit, a tradition that signals the start of a professional baseball match. The pitch and hit were completed before the regular game began, and the Lions’ management had confirmed the arrangement in advance of the event.
After the ceremonial segment, members of AHOF were seen filming in the stands with their camera flashes on. Fans and media outlets reported that the flashes disrupted the flow of the game and obscured the view for other spectators. The incident drew criticism from baseball fans who felt that the group’s actions interfered with the players’ focus and the overall spectator experience. The controversy was amplified by social media posts that circulated screenshots of the flashing activity.
In a statement released by F&F Entertainment on June 15, the agency apologized to “players and spectators who were inconvenienced by the filming.” The statement read: “We failed to adequately consider the fact that we could disrupt the players’ game and the spectators’ viewing experience. Our top priority should have been the players and spectators, and we are taking the fact that we fell short in our consideration and preparations very seriously.” The agency pledged to familiarize itself with on‑site guidelines and etiquette to prevent future incidents.
AHOF, whose name is a backronym for All‑time Hall Of Famer, is a nine‑member South Korean boy band formed through the reality competition show Universe League on SBS TV. The group is managed by F&F Entertainment and debuted on July 1, 2025, with the extended play ‘Who We Are.’ Its members include Steven, Jeongwoo, Woongki, Shuaibo, Han, JL, Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke. The band’s activities have included music releases, concerts, and promotional appearances at sporting events.
The Samsung Lions are a professional baseball team based in Daegu and compete in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League. Their home stadium is Daegu Samsung Lions Park, where the June 14 game was played. The SSG Landers, formerly the SK Wyverns, are based in Incheon and play their home games at Incheon SSG Landers Field. Both teams are members of the KBO League, which announced rule changes for the 2026 season allowing teams to add an Asian or Australian import player alongside three foreigners.
The incident has prompted discussions among fans and league officials about the need for clearer guidelines on media presence during games. While the KBO League has not issued a formal statement regarding the controversy, the league’s emphasis on maintaining a respectful environment for players and spectators suggests that the agency’s apology may be viewed as a step toward compliance. The incident also highlights the growing intersection between K-pop promotions and professional sports events in South Korea.
At present, the Samsung Lions and SSG Landers continue their regular season schedule, with the Lions hosting a home game on June 16 and the Landers traveling to face the Kiwoom Heroes on June 17. No disciplinary action has been announced by the KBO League in relation to the filming incident. F&F Entertainment has stated that it will review its protocols and cooperate with league officials to ensure future events comply with venue rules. The situation remains under observation as the league monitors compliance and fan feedback.
