The LG Twins have officially canceled a planned ceremonial first pitch featuring characters from the Japanese anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Mugen Castle Arc, following public criticism over its timing just before Korea's Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol).

Backlash Over "Inappropriate Timing"

On August 7, the LG Twins confirmed to Dispatch that the first pitch event scheduled for August 9 — which was to feature popular Demon Slayer characters Tanjiro and Nezuko — had been called off.

The team had initially announced that the characters would appear at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium during a game between the LG Twins and the Hanwha Eagles. A special event zone was also planned in the third base stands, where fans would receive themed fans as souvenirs.

However, the announcement drew swift backlash on social media, with many fans commenting that promoting a Japanese anime so close to Korea's August 15 Liberation Day — which commemorates the end of Japanese colonial rule — was insensitive.

An LG Twins official stated, "We took the criticism seriously and, after internal discussions, decided to cancel the event."

Other Events Continue as Planned

Despite the controversy, other promotional first pitches will go ahead. On August 8, characters from the Korean game Crazy Arcade will appear for the ceremonial pitch. K-pop artist Jeon Somi is set to throw the first pitch on August 10.

As for August 9, the first pitch slot will remain empty. "There wasn't enough time to arrange a replacement," the team explained.

Context Behind the Controversy

Demon Slayer is based on the hit Japanese manga of the same name, with over 220 million copies sold worldwide. Despite its global popularity, the series has sparked controversy in Korea for its setting during the Taisho era — a period linked to Japanese imperial expansion — and for featuring earrings on the main character that resemble the Rising Sun flag, a symbol associated with Japanese militarism.