Global superstar V, a member of the iconic group BTS, is set to bring his charm and charisma to the baseball field.
The Los Angeles Dodgers officially announced on August 17, 2025 (local time), that V will throw the ceremonial first pitch at their upcoming game on August 25.
The match, which pits the Dodgers against the Cincinnati Reds, is scheduled to begin at 7:10 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The announcement has stirred excitement among both K-pop fans and MLB followers, merging two powerhouse fanbases in what is expected to be an unforgettable moment on the mound.
A Pitch That Symbolizes Cultural Crossover
Ceremonial first pitches at major league games are traditionally reserved for figures of prominence—politicians, athletes, actors, and influential public figures.
V’s selection to open the game reflects not only his global fame, but also the increasing influence of Korean culture on American entertainment and sports.
While several Korean athletes have graced MLB fields before, it’s rare for a K-pop idol to take on this ceremonial role, particularly one at the level of V, who has become a symbol of modern-day global pop culture.
BTS’s V (Credit: X)
The Dodgers’ Instagram announcement, complete with a photo teaser of V in a Dodgers jersey, was met with immediate fanfare.
Why the Dodgers Chose V
The Los Angeles Dodgers have long celebrated diversity and have a particularly strong fan base among Asian and international audiences.
In recent years, they’ve made conscious efforts to connect with K-pop culture and the Korean community in L.A., including celebrating Korean Heritage Night and hosting K-pop-themed events.
Choosing V to throw the ceremonial pitch is a strategic and celebratory move.
It strengthens ties with BTS’s massive fanbase, ARMY, while also elevating the entertainment value of the game.
It’s a win-win for both the Dodgers and fans attending the game in person and watching online.
V’s Rising Global Presence Beyond Music
While V is known for his deep, soulful voice as part of BTS, he’s also earned acclaim as a solo artist, actor, and fashion icon.
His presence at Dodger Stadium continues his expansion into various arenas of global culture, from luxury fashion ambassadorships to acting roles and solo music projects.
Earlier this year, V made headlines with his critically praised solo project “Layover,” and has continued to be active during BTS’s group hiatus due to members’ military service.
His unique combination of stage presence, modesty, and global appeal makes him an ideal guest for high-profile appearances like this.
V’s participation also follows a growing trend of Korean artists making appearances at global sporting events.
In previous years, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and other idols have participated in various sports-related ceremonies, but V’s pitch at one of the MLB’s most iconic stadiums puts him in a league of his own.
What to Expect on Game Day
Fans attending the Dodgers vs. Reds game on August 25 are in for a unique experience. With the game scheduled to start at 7:10 p.m. PT, V is expected to make his appearance shortly before the first inning begins.
The ceremonial first pitch is a brief but symbolic moment that often garners global media attention—especially when performed by international celebrities.
There’s also speculation about whether V will greet fans or interact with Dodgers players. Given his known athleticism (evident from his years on BTS’s variety content), fans are hoping for a solid pitch—and maybe even a memorable reaction from the crowd.
While no additional performance or meet-and-greet has been announced, the presence of one of BTS’s most beloved members is expected to draw increased attendance and boost the cultural impact of the game.
Fans React: ARMY Lights Up Social Media
Within minutes of the Dodgers’ announcement, the hashtags #VxDodgers, #TaehyungFirstPitch, and #VAtDodgerStadium began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of ARMY members expressing excitement, booking tickets, and organizing fan projects.
Some fans based in California have started creating custom signs and fan gear to show their support at the stadium.
Others are arranging watch parties, both online and in-person, to witness what is sure to be a viral moment.
ARMYs have also praised V for his continued visibility during BTS’s hiatus and his ability to represent K-pop in mainstream Western media spaces with class and elegance.
A Historic Day in the Making
This upcoming appearance adds another chapter to V’s ever-growing legacy. His role in throwing the first pitch isn’t just a promotional event—it’s a celebration of the intersection between sports, music, and cultural diplomacy.
As K-pop continues to expand its global influence, moments like this reinforce the mutual respect and collaborative spirit between Korean artists and Western platforms.
Studio Pierrot is one of the most famous animation studios in Japan. Known for producing some of the biggest anime series in history, the studio has had a lasting impact on the anime industry for more than four decades.
Recently, the company announced that it would officially change its corporate name from Pierrot Co., Ltd. to Studio Pierrot. The change may look small on the surface, but it reflects the studio’s desire to modernize its identity while still holding on to its legacy.
Pierrot was founded in 1979 by former employees of Tatsunoko Production and Mushi Production. From the beginning, the studio became known for creating works that reached wide audiences. The name Pierrot itself comes from the French word for clown, a character known for being both humorous and emotional.
For years, the simple name “Pierrot” represented the company, but the brand most people around the world recognized was “Studio Pierrot.” Anime fans, when talking about their favorite shows, often used that name rather than the formal corporate one.
Some of the studio’s most popular works include Naruto , Bleach , Yu Yu Hakusho , and Tokyo Ghoul . These shows not only became worldwide hits but also helped define eras of anime for different generations.
Naruto, in particular, ran for many years and built an international fan base that still follows the story through Boruto. Bleach, after a long break, recently returned with its final arc produced once again by the studio, earning both nostalgia and praise for its updated animation. Because of these titles, the name Studio Pierrot is familiar even to people who may not follow anime closely.
Bleach Franchise (Credits: Studio Pierrot)
Pierrot Officially Renames Itself Studio Pierrot to Match Global Recognition
The official decision to change the company name to Studio Pierrot aligns the corporate identity with the name that fans and the industry already recognize. It also reflects a trend among Japanese animation companies to sharpen their global branding.
As anime continues to grow in popularity around the world, studios want to make sure their names are easy to understand and consistent across all regions. Using the full name Studio Pierrot makes the brand stronger in international markets, where fans and business partners already use that version.
The announcement also signals a renewed focus on the studio’s future. In recent years, Studio Pierrot has faced challenges. The anime market has become more competitive, with many new studios producing high-quality series.
Streaming platforms have also changed the way shows are made and distributed, creating both opportunities and difficulties for long-established companies. While Pierrot has a strong legacy, it has also received criticism at times for uneven animation quality in long-running series. The name change may be a way to mark a fresh chapter and show that the studio is ready to adapt.
At the same time, the company has been working on high-profile projects that keep it in the spotlight. The continuation of Bleach, the ongoing Boruto series, and other productions help remind audiences of the studio’s importance.
The official shift to Studio Pierrot emphasizes the creative side of the company’s identity, placing focus on its role as a studio rather than just a corporation. In this way, the new name suggests a closer connection to the artistry of animation, which is at the heart of what the company produces.
Legendary Anime Studio Updates Corporate Identity After Four Decades
For fans, the change may not feel dramatic since they already know the company by its new name. Still, it is a meaningful step because it shows the studio embracing how it is known worldwide.
This move also gives younger audiences, who may have discovered anime through streaming platforms, a clear and recognizable brand name. In an industry where identity and reputation are crucial, small details like a name can make a big difference.
Looking back, Pierrot has built a legacy that few animation studios can match. It has created iconic characters, unforgettable stories, and long-running series that shaped anime culture. Looking forward, the new name Studio Pierrot suggests both continuity and renewal. The company is not leaving behind its history but instead carrying it forward under a banner that matches the identity fans have always cherished.
Naruto Franchise (Credits: Studio Pierrot)
In the end, the renaming of Pierrot to Studio Pierrot may appear like a simple change in wording, but it represents a larger effort to stay relevant, strengthen its image, and connect with audiences around the world. It is a recognition of the past and a statement about the future.
By aligning its official name with the one fans already love, Studio Pierrot shows that it is ready to continue entertaining audiences for many years to come.
Ichigo Kurosaki is a seemingly ordinary high schooler, except for one crucial detail, he can see ghosts. One night, his life changes forever when a mysterious woman named Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper (shinigami), crashes into his room while hunting a monstrous spirit called a Hollow.
