[theqoo] WAS THE BOYZ ALWAYS LIKE THAT? … FROM “SUNWOO’S PERSONALITY CONTROVERSY” TO “KEVIN’S BASEBALL CONTROVERSY” THIS TIME

THE BOYZ’s Kevin faces ‘First pitch controversy’

On the afternoon of the 19th, THE BOYZ members Eric and Kevin participated in the opening ceremony of the “2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League” game between KT Wiz and Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Eric threw the ceremonial first pitch, while Kevin took the first swing. Wearing the home team Kiwoom Heroes’ uniforms, both performed their roles impressively and left the field to applause from fans of both teams.

However, the issue arose afterward. On the same day, a netizen claiming to be a fan of THE BOYZ shared a post on social media, saying, “Kevin showed a note on his phone that said, ‘I hope the day comes when I get to sing the national anthem in my hometown Gwangju for the KIA Tigers.’” The fan also uploaded a photo taken at the stadium and added, “When I said I couldn’t see it well, he even made the text bigger and showed it again.”

The first pitch and first swing are typically events meant to wish for the victory of the home team. Those participating in the first pitch or first swing usually express support for the home team and make comments that boost the atmosphere of the game. Therefore, openly displaying support for another team inside the stadium has led to criticisms, with many arguing that it is disrespectful to the team that invited him.

Of course, outside of the first pitch event, everyone is entitled to have a favorite team. However, most baseball fans believe that it’s important to express that fandom appropriately, depending on the situation and timing.

One Kiwoom Heroes fan expressed frustration, saying, “If they’re going to be like that, why did Kevin come to throw the first pitch for Kiwoom? He should have gone to KIA’s game instead,” and added, “I hope he never throws the first pitch for our team again.” Another netizen also criticized Kevin’s actions, saying, “It’s disrespectful to the team that invited him and to baseball fans in general.”

Meanwhile, THE BOYZ is also facing controversy after member Sunwoo became embroiled in an “attitude controversy.” A video circulated online showing Sunwoo shouting “My AirPods” while getting into an elevator after a radio broadcast, and a security guard handing him the AirPods. Sunwoo received the AirPods with one hand, without showing any gratitude, which led to accusations of being “rude.”

Later, Sunwoo posted a message on a fan platform expressing frustration, saying, “People who’ve never experienced love are acting like their words are justified, thinking they’re always right, while using ignorant words to hurt the fandom, which is just ridiculous.” This only escalated the controversy. Eventually, both Sunwoo and his agency issued an apology.

original post: here

1. Eric is a real Kiwoom Heroes fan though, why is Kevin acting like that…

2. This is so rude

3. They have so much seniority too, and they still cant’ differentiate what to and not to say…

4. What compelled him to act like that….

5. Ddo BOYZ (T/n: The Boyz is pronounced Deo BOYZ, Ddo = again = THE BOYZ again)

6. They’re so brainless, do they not know how sensitive baseball fans are?

7. They should change their name to Ddo-BOYZ

8. So he’s also rac*st ㅋㅋ

Google search: Kevin Ching Chang Chong

Results: 
– “My name is Ching Chong Bing Bong…. THE BOYZ Kevin, controversy ensues after using rac*al slur

– THE BOYZ Kevin, past ra*ist controversy “My name is Ching Chong Bing Bong” 

[…]

9. Does the company not control their idols?

10. Eric who went to watch the same match. He even spend 89,000 won to buy this phone case