Baseball Stadium Telephoto Camera Controversy: LG Twins Request Ban on Entry

On the 6th, a game between the LG Twins and the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium stirred significant controversy due to some unruly behavior from the audience.

The issue, especially related to the use of telephoto cameras, escalated to the point where the LG Twins officially requested the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to prohibit the entry of such cameras.

The problems began even before the game started.

Around noon, a photo was shared online showing participants from the audition program 'Boys Planet' filming on the baseball field. Although general audience admission starts 1 hour and 30 minutes before the game at 5 PM, questions arose about how fans were present at that time.

A stadium official explained, "It appears that some fans sneaked in through a door that was left open for opening preparations." What exacerbated the situation was the behavior pattern of these fans.

After cheering for the performers during a show held during the "cleaning time" after the 5th inning, they collectively left their seats as soon as the performance ended, with some reportedly going home without watching the game at all.

Telephoto Camera Causes Safety Issues and Viewing Disruptions

An even more serious situation unfolded in the 1st base exciting seats at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.

Some audience members with telephoto cameras were seen ignoring the interventions of on-site officials and pushing their way through. Claims arose that there were physical clashes during this process, with security personnel falling down.

Netizens observing the situation voiced strong criticism, stating, "Legal action is necessary," and "They left their trash behind."

The issue of viewing obstruction caused by telephoto cameras has been pointed out by baseball fans for a long time.

One fan expressed dissatisfaction, stating, "I couldn't see the pitcher's throw during the game because it was blocked by a camera held by someone in front of me." Additionally, some spectators noted that prolonged close-up shots of cheerleaders are causing discomfort to players and staff.

Cheerleader Kwon Hee-won appeared on the YouTube channel 'No Back Talk Tak Jae-hoon' and candidly shared, "It feels burdensome to see scenes focused on my lower body with telephoto cameras. It's hard to concentrate on the game." This filming method emphasizes the need for restrictions as it can lead to sexual discomfort.

Following these incidents, the LG Twins formally proposed a ban on the entry of telephoto cameras to the KBO.

As calls for institutional regulations grow to ensure that baseball fans can fully enjoy the games in an environment where players and staff are respected, there is an urgent need for proactive measures within the baseball community to simultaneously address viewing disruptions and safety issues.

Image source: A full crowd at the professional baseball game between Hanwha Eagles and LG Twins in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa District, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 10th. / News1, YouTube 'No Back Talk Tak Jae-hoon'