Group Ahof (AHOF) issued an official apology over criticism that it filmed with a flash and lights on at a professional baseball stadium. It said it failed to fully consider that the filming could disrupt the game and viewing experience, and pledged to prevent a recurrence.
Agency F&F Entertainment said on the 15th on its official social media (SNS), "We sincerely apologize to the players and spectators who experienced inconvenience due to our artist's filming conducted at the baseball game site on the 14th."
The agency said, "We did not sufficiently consider in advance that it could interfere with the players' progress of the game and the spectators' viewing," and added, "We take seriously that we lacked consideration and preparation, even though we should have put the players and spectators first."
The controversy arose on the 14th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park during the game between the Samsung Lions and SSG Landers. Ahof members Steven and Zuen took the mound and the batter's box that day for the ceremonial first pitch and first swing, and the other members also came to the stadium to watch the game.
The issue surfaced during the process of filming their own content from the stands after the ceremonial first pitch and first swing. Photos spread on online communities and social media (SNS) showing Ahof members filming in the stands with strong lights on. Some baseball fans pointed out that using a flash and lights during a game is bad manners because it can obstruct players' vision.
At ballparks, refraining from using camera flashes during games is considered spectator etiquette to prevent obstructing players' vision. Criticism mounted especially because lights during play, when hitting and fielding are underway, can cause discomfort to players or spectators.
F&F Entertainment said, "From now on, we will thoroughly familiarize ourselves with on-site operating rules and etiquette and take care to prevent a recurrence," adding, "Once again, we sincerely apologize to the players, spectators and baseball fans who experienced inconvenience."
Ahof is a nine-member group formed through the SBS boy group survival program "Universe League." The group is scheduled to make a comeback next month with its third mini album and recently pre-released the track "Sugar High."