KBS, ahead of its coverage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), which will make baseball fans around the world's hearts race, released a powerful teaser video featuring the 'blockbuster duo' commentators Park Yong-taek and Lee Dae-hyung, raising excitement for the tournament to its peak.
The 2026 WBC, held from Mar. 5 to 17, is the highest-profile international baseball competition in which the world's top players compete for national honor. With every game expected to produce nail-biting classics, KBS plans to offer viewers a different level of broadcasting enjoyment by putting the so-called 'blockbuster duo' Park Yong-taek and Lee Dae-hyung center stage. The two commentators will begin their full WBC coverage with the national team's official tune-up game against the Hanshin Tigers, which airs on KBS 2TV at 11:40 a.m. on Mar. 2. They will follow by broadcasting the second tune-up game against the Orix Buffaloes at 11:50 a.m. on Mar. 3 (Tue), planning to closely assess the national team's condition ahead of the main tournament.
The released teaser video immediately captivates viewers with a concept that maximizes the two commentators' distinctive characters. First, Lee Dae-hyung, the 'verbal razor commentator,' transforms into a mysterious shaman armed with bells and a fan, exuding a strong presence. Known for his unique sense and surprising accuracy that have garnered enthusiastic support from baseball fans, he leaves a cryptic line in the video: "People say I'm possessed, but I'm not." He then appears as a trench-coated detective holding a magnifying glass and confidently declares, "If you look closely, you can see everything. I'll be watching this WBC closely."
On the other hand, Park Yong-taek, the 'piercing commentator,' startles everyone with a shocking prediction: "Everyone, just trust me. The Korea national team will be eliminated!" But immediately after, an explanation follows: "There is power in what Yong-taek says. Whatever he says ends up turning out the opposite," and laughter ensues as his past forecasts that were completely off the mark are reexamined as "reverse accuracy." Ultimately they decide to borrow Park Yong-taek's power for the Korea national team, and the playful message "KBS supports the Korea national team" adds a witty note to their cheerful support.
Also adding to the fun is the sight of the two commentators Park Yong-taek and Lee Dae-hyung in black suits reminiscent of the film Men in Black. After confidently asking, "Skill? Visuals? Entertainment? It's outrageously so," they pull out the memory-erasing device the "neuralyzer" and declare, "Then we'll erase other commentary from your memory," creating fresh anticipation. With sharp analysis, witty banter and unpredictable charm, the two commentators are drawing attention for the intense sense of being at the WBC they will deliver. Prior to that, Park Yong-taek and Lee Dae-hyung will appear as guests on KBS Cool FM's Park Myung Soo's Radio Show at 11 a.m. on the 20th to honestly share their feelings ahead of the WBC coverage and their determination as commentators.
Meanwhile, special "preview shows" designed to heighten excitement for the main games will be arranged for Mar. 7 and 8, when the Korea-Japan and Korea-Taiwan games take place. Kim Gu Ra, the "baseball maniac" who generated enthusiastic responses during the 2023 WBC, announcer Hong Joo-yeon, the "baseball fairy," and commentator Cho Sung-hwan, a former Lotte Giants player, will appear to deliver not only local team news but also game viewing points and behind-the-scenes stories in abundance. The WBC "preview show" will air on KBS2 before the Japan game at 6 p.m. on Mar. 7 and before the Taiwan game at 11:10 a.m. on Mar. 8.
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