‘The Ultimate KIA! The Power of Gwangju!’ KIA Victory Celebration Car Parade

35 Years Later, Event at Geumnam-ro... Citizens' Enthusiastic Cheers
'V12 Tigers Festa' Also at Kim Dae-jung Center

On the 30th, the KIA Tigers held a celebratory car parade in the heart of the city to commemorate their 12th Korean Series championship in professional baseball, while citizens of Gwangju cheered enthusiastically. Photo by Song Bohyun

"Overwhelmed! The strongest KIA! The power of Gwangju!"

On the 30th, the KIA Tigers held a celebratory 'car parade' in the heart of downtown Gwangju, Geumnam-ro, to commemorate their 12th Korean Series championship in professional baseball.

KIA Tigers players marched 1.2 km from Geumnam-ro 5-ga Station through Geumnam-ro Park and Jeonil Building 245 to the May 18th Democracy Square, receiving enthusiastic cheers from citizens at this event held for the first time in 35 years since 1989.

On this day, manager Lee Beom-ho, along with top league players and coaching staff including Yang Hyeon-jong and Kim Do-young, rode on an open-top double-decker bus to express their gratitude to the citizens of Gwangju.

Player Yang Hyeon-jong said in an interview with Asia Economy, "It's amazing to be part of a car parade held for the first time in 35 years," adding, "I've never met fans so closely in the city outside the baseball stadium, so this will be an unforgettable memory." He also expressed, "Thanks to the unwavering interest and support, our team won the championship. I am grateful."

Following that, Shim Jae-hak, general manager of the KIA Tigers, said, "I am deeply moved. The citizens' warm welcome makes the joy of winning twice as great."

On the 30th, ahead of the celebratory car parade for the KIA Tigers' 12th Korean Series championship in professional baseball, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jeong, Director Shim Jae-hak, and National Assemblyman Ahn Do-gul are taking commemorative photos with citizens. Photo by Song Bo-hyun

On the 30th, the KIA Tigers held a celebratory car parade in the heart of the city to commemorate their 12th Korean Series championship in professional baseball, while baseball fans enthusiastically cheered holding hand signs. Photo by Song Bohyun

On this day, citizens and baseball fans shouted loudly toward the players, holding signs and flags that read "V12 KIA Tigers, the power of Gwangju!" along with various cheering tools.

Im Hye-ryeong (37), whom we met at the scene, said, "My father, who was a fan of the Haitai Tigers in the past, carried me on his shoulders to participate in the car parade, so this is very nostalgic," adding, "Now, 35 years later, I am here holding my daughter's hand. I hope KIA's history continues."

Kim Min-seong (26), a student at Chosun University, said, "Just being able to see the players up close makes me happy," and added, "I hope they win again next year so we can have consecutive car parades."

Seven players from the Gwangju Developmental Disability Youth Baseball Team ET (EAST TIGERS) were also invited to ride in the vehicles with the players. A representative of the ET baseball team said, "The kids were happy to ride with the players. As KIA Tigers fans, today is a meaningful moment."

The car parade vehicles moved slowly, guided by the police and accompanied by the 31st Infantry Division military band and the Dong-gu pungmul troupe and other performers.

At the destination, May 18th Democracy Square, Mayor Kang Gi-jung of Gwangju presented a plaque of appreciation and a congratulatory bouquet for the championship. Mayor Kang said, "Gwangju has had many joyful events this year, such as author Han Kang winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, Gwangju FC's winning streak, and the Pepper Volleyball Team's victory," adding, "I am grateful that KIA has made Gwangju a festival ground with their 12th championship."

Manager Lee Beom-ho said, "I was worried that not many fans would come to the car parade due to the weather and other factors, but I am thankful that so many fans came out to celebrate the championship," adding, "As a team with the best fans, we will repay their support."

Meanwhile, the KIA Tigers will also hold the "V12 Tigers Festa" at 5 p.m. at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center. All players and 5,000 fans are expected to attend.

Pre-events such as fan autograph sessions and a championship trophy photo zone will be followed by the players and trophy entrance, players' thank-you speeches, highlight video screenings, a Korean Series cheer session repeated once more, and a congratulatory performance by invited singers. The players will host the "Tiger Family Festival," featuring talk shows, talent shows, and fan participation games. The main event of the festa will be broadcast live online via Naver (Chijijik).

On the 30th, a victory parade celebrating the KIA Tigers, Gwangju's professional baseball team, winning the Korean Series, is taking place around Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News