(Photo courtesy of SEVENTEEN, BTS, and Red Velvet's social media accounts)

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEONWOO] The Samsung Lions have claimed their first Korean Series championship in 12 years. On November 8, the team defeated the KT Wiz 12–1 in Game 5 of the Korean Series at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, securing the championship with a 4–1 series victory. As baseball fans celebrated the long-awaited triumph, attention also turned to K-POP stars who have consistently expressed their special affection for the Samsung Lions.

SEVENTEEN's S.COUPS is widely known as a devoted Samsung Lions fan. Born in Daegu, he demonstrated his passion for the team during an appearance on the baseball variety show ‘A Real Fan's Zone’ in 2024. He later fulfilled a longtime wish by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Game 5 of the Korean Series. The moment was particularly meaningful as he took the mound for the very game that secured Samsung's first championship in 12 years. Having never hidden his affection for the team, S.COUPS made the occasion even more special for fans by witnessing the historic victory in person.

BTS's SUGA is another well-known Samsung Lions supporter with strong ties to Daegu. When Samsung won the Korean Series in 2014, he attracted attention by posting a photo of himself wearing a Samsung Lions jersey on BTS's official Twitter account, accompanied by the playful caption, "Hehe, Samsung won haha."

A Samsung Lions jersey was also spotted in photos of his studio released later, suggesting his continued support for the team. In ‘Ma City’, a track from BTS's album ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2’, SUGA references his hometown of Daegu with the lyric "blue blood in my veins", evoking both his pride in the city and the Samsung Lions' signature blue color. Following the team's 2026 Korean Series victory, he once again demonstrated his unwavering loyalty by sharing a congratulatory message on his Instagram Story.

NAM SEONGMO of 82MAJOR is another passionate Samsung Lions fan. Also from Daegu, he has described himself as a supporter of the team for 15 years, having followed its journey since childhood.

He has shown his interest in baseball through 82MAJOR's original content, even expressing his confidence in his knowledge of the sport by rating his understanding of baseball rules with five stars.

Ahead of this year's Korean Series, SEONGMO openly expressed his hopes for a Samsung championship. After the team secured the title, he shared a congratulatory video to celebrate the victory. Having supported his hometown team since childhood, the long-awaited championship was likely an especially meaningful moment for him.

NCT's JENO also has fond childhood memories of supporting the Samsung Lions. His connection with the team became even more special when he was given the opportunity to throw the ceremonial first pitch for a team he had admired growing up.

JENO was originally scheduled to throw the first pitch during Samsung's postseason in 2024, but the game was unfortunately canceled due to rain. At the time, he shared his disappointment through a fan communication platform and revealed that he had practiced pitching and batting with Samsung player Lee Ho-sung.

He also expressed hope that he would have another opportunity to throw the first pitch someday. That wish eventually came true in 2025, when he took the mound for Samsung's home opener. Standing on the mound of a team he had cherished since childhood made the occasion particularly memorable.

Red Velvet's IRENE has also attracted attention among baseball fans, earning the nickname "Victory Fairy" of the Samsung Lions. The nickname emerged after the team went on a winning streak following her ceremonial first pitch at a Samsung game.

Her growing interest in baseball following the appearance, along with her visits to the stadium and support for the team, also became talking points among fans.

In particular, IRENE's journey as a "yarini", a Korean term referring to someone who is new to baseball, has resonated with fans. Watching her gradually become more familiar with the sport has made her enthusiasm feel especially approachable.

Rather than treating her ceremonial first pitch as a one-time appearance, IRENE has continued following Samsung-related news and showing interest in the team.

The Samsung Lions' first Korean Series championship in 12 years will remain an unforgettable moment for both the players and the fans who have waited so long for another title.

For K-POP stars who have developed their own connections with Samsung in different ways, the victory also carries special meaning.

On stage, they are K-POP stars. At the ballpark, they are passionate fans cheering wholeheartedly for their favorite team.

Their heartfelt celebrations have made the Samsung Lions' historic 2026 championship even more memorable.

 yeonwoo38@hanteo.com