SOOP has captured attention in the KBO League space with its innovative graphic commentary system, allowing fans and streamers to engage while enjoying live baseball. On March 25, 2025, the company announced its initiative to enhance the fan experience by integrating 'live commentary' where participants can rally together.
Since 2024, SOOP has been leveraging graphic commentary to deliver real-time updates through a medium where streamers and users can interact and cheer throughout matches online. This visual format displays critical data such as scoreboards, pitching stats, and lineups, effectively conveying the game dynamics to viewers.
The concept took flight on March 22, 2025, during the opening match where approximately 55 diverse streamers showcased their unique styles during the KBO League live commentary. The event saw nearly 320,000 viewers tuning in, a clear sign of heightened fan interest.
SOOP is committed to enhancing the graphic commentary to suit the needs of users familiar with mobile interfaces. In previous iterations, information such as scoreboards and game updates were bundled into one screen. Now, the layout divides data into four designated areas, allowing fans to select the information most relevant to them. Users can also access up-to-date lineup information for each team directly in the commentary.
In a remarkable expansion, a roster of new virtual streamers has joined the ranks, including figures like Saida from KIA, Dede from NC, Meokcheto from LG, Magic_ from Lotte, and various others from Hanwha and Samsung, enhancing the diversity of the broadcast.
One standout initiative is the 'Korean Baseball Elementary School' program designed by virtual streamer Gosegu from ISEGYE IDOL. This unique project targets newcomers to baseball, featuring various virtual streamers who engage audiences by exploring each team's culture and backstories, ultimately attracting a peak of 20,000 concurrent viewers.
Furthermore, popular figures known for content in fields such as gaming and Mukbang have stepped into the baseball domain, broadening the spectrum of live commentary options available for fans.
Notably, SOOP has curated its own entertainment series called 'Yajataim' since 2017, held on Mondays when there are no KBO games. This interactive program invites streamers and fans to discuss relevant league topics freely.
There's also a 'KBO Baseball Quiz Show' featuring virtual presenters, alongside 'Duri Show and Baseball TALK'—a discussion-based program involving current baseball journalists, keeping fans apprised of the league's landscape.
To ensure no major matches go unnoticed, the company operates a 'Today's Issue Matching' banner, which is instrumental in providing fans with essential game information.
Looking ahead, SOOP aims to lay down support frameworks for new streamers entering the live commentary scene, ensuring they have the resources to produce reliable content. This strategy promotes a continuously evolving and participatory baseball community ecosystem, engaging fans in the process.
Overall, SOOP's innovative approach in blending fan engagement with the excitement of live baseball signals a new era for KBO League content. The initiatives not only cater to current fans but also foster new interest, ensuring that the sport retains its vibrant and accessible presence in the digital sphere.
