JTBC has announced the highly anticipated launch of a new season of 'Strongest Baseball,' set to premiere in September 2025. The network made the announcement on April 18, 2025, revealing that they are currently in the process of selecting directors and team members, with team setup expected to be completed by May 2025.
The new season promises to build on the strengths of the previous iterations, enhancing both scale and composition. JTBC aims to fill the 'baseball-less Mondays' for fans by ensuring that each broadcast captures the excitement of an entire game, providing a thrilling viewing experience.
In a statement, JTBC emphasized their commitment to delivering an engaging product. “Once the team composition is complete, we will spare no effort in production to meet the expectations of the largest number of viewers,” they stated. The network is determined to create a dynamic and captivating show, showcasing the fierce competition of the revamped 'Strongest Monsters' team and the lively reactions from the dugout.
However, the announcement comes amidst ongoing tensions with Jang Si-won, the director behind the previous seasons of 'Strongest Baseball,' who has now launched a competing program titled 'Fiery Baseball.' Jang's new show is also set to debut soon, and the conflict between the two parties has escalated. JTBC has accused Jang of excessively requesting production costs, claiming that he failed to disclose financial details, which has led to a public dispute.
In light of this rivalry, JTBC has taken a strong stance regarding copyright issues. They have warned of legal action against any similar content that infringes on the 'Strongest Baseball' intellectual property. “As the copyright holder of 'Strongest Baseball,' we will take strong legal action against similar content that infringes on our IP,” the network asserted. They urged all parties involved to be cautious of illegal production and broadcasting that could harm the industry and its stakeholders.
On the same day as JTBC's announcement, Jang Si-won PD released a teaser for 'Fiery Baseball,' featuring the new team name, the Fiery Fighters, and director Kim Seong-geun. The teaser showcased an impressive lineup of 25 players, including notable names like Park Yong-taek, Song Seung-jun, and Kim Seong-geun, who are expected to play a major role in the new show.
'Fiery Baseball' aims to capture the excitement of baseball with a fresh perspective, and the production team has already scheduled their first public event against Dongguk University at Gocheok Sky Dome on April 27, 2025. This event marks an important milestone for the new team as they prepare to engage with fans.
As the battle for baseball viewership heats up, both JTBC and Studio C1, Jang Si-won’s production company, are poised to make significant moves. JTBC is adamant about protecting its intellectual property rights, while Jang Si-won is determined to carve out his niche in the competitive landscape of sports programming.
In summary, the upcoming season of 'Strongest Baseball' is set to provide an upgraded viewing experience for fans, while the emergence of 'Fiery Baseball' adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative of sports entertainment in South Korea. With both programs vying for attention, it will be fascinating to see how this rivalry unfolds and impacts the audience.
