How Hong Joo-yeon’s Passion for Baseball Shines in WBC Preview Show

Photo: KBS2

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] Jun Hyun-moo praised announcer Hong Ju-yeon’s passion for baseball.

KBS2’s ‘The Boss’s Ears Are Donkey Ears’ (known as ‘Sadang-gwi’) is a program that invites Korean bosses to practice perspective-taking and self-reflection to make workplaces more enjoyable. According to Nielsen Korea, the show again led its time slot, extending its run to 198 consecutive weeks as the top variety program in that window.

On the March 29 episode of KBS2’s ‘Sadang-gwi,’ Jun revealed he personally phoned Hong Ju-yeon to cheer her on as she prepared to host a live WBC (World Baseball Classic) preview show, drawing attention.

Self-styled original “sports goddess” Eom Ji-in stepped in to back junior announcer Hong. She brought in veteran commentator Yoo Hee-gwan for special mentoring. Hong admitted this was her first time solo-hosting a live talk show outside of news and said she was nervous.

During rehearsal, Hong surprised everyone with the depth of her baseball knowledge. She rattled off names, clubs and strengths—not only for Korea’s national team players such as Lee Jung-hoo, Kim Hye-sung and Ahn Hyun-min, but also for foreign players competing in the WBC. Jun nodded repeatedly and praised her preparation, saying, “Ju-yeon really studied hard.” Eom added that she could trust Ju-yeon with baseball coverage, expressing admiration.

Jun noted that Hong genuinely loves sports and aspires to be a sportscaster. He offered constructive feedback—telling her she speaks a bit quickly, likely because she’s excited. When co-host Kim Sook asked whether he’d shared that advice with Hong directly, Jun confirmed he had, then teased, “Slow down, Ju-yeon,” before showering her with praise, prompting laughter.

Meanwhile, Jun’s disclosure that he phoned Hong during the live WBC preview show has raised curiosity about what he said on the call. Viewers can see Hong’s obvious love of baseball on the broadcast.

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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