Choi Hyun Wook is under fire after hurling a high-speed pitch toward a child batter during a recent baseball game, reigniting controversy over the actor’s past behavior and future on-screen projects.
On October 9th, Choi threw the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Game 1 of the 2025 KBO postseason playoffs between the SSG Landers and Samsung Lions at Incheon SSG Landers Field. A former player who played baseball through his first year at high school, Choi stepped onto the mound with confidence — but the pitch quickly turned controversial.
Instead of a casual toss, Choi delivered a high-speed pitch that flew dangerously close to the young batter’s head, shocking both the crowd and even the actor himself. He immediately rushed off the mound to check on the child.
As backlash mounted online, Choi issued an apology the next morning. “I plan to personally apologize to the child and their parents as soon as possible,” he wrote. “I should’ve thrown gently from up close, but I was too nervous to think clearly. I’m truly sorry.”
Though Choi sought to end the issue with his statement, it instead reignited discussion about his past controversies and public image.
In 2023, Choi was caught on video casually throwing his cigarette butt on the ground. The footage led to an official complaint filed with the Gangnam District Office, resulting in a fine. Then in November last year, he made headlines again for a “self-exposure” incident after posting a photo of a Bearbrick on Instagram — inadvertently revealing what appeared to be his nude reflection on the toy.
With his reputation already strained, Choi’s latest incident has raised new concerns about his involvement in upcoming projects. He’s slated to appear alongside Kim Tae Ri in tvN’s new variety show After School Theater Club (literal title), which centers on actors teaching acting to elementary school students in rural areas. However, following the first-pitch backlash, people have begun questioning whether it’s appropriate for Choi to appear in a program involving children.
UPDATE
Choi Hyun Wook plans to directly apologize to the child’s family through SSG Landers. According to sources close to him, he has also written a handwritten apology letter and is currently in discussions with the team on how to deliver it.
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