On Tuesday, April 16, the
K-pop
community was shaken as reports emerged of
ICHILLIN’
member
Chowon
’s hospitalisation following a distressing incident at a professional baseball game in Seoul. The 18-year-old singer was struck by a foul ball while watching the game with her bandmates, leading to concerns for her well-being.
The day started with excitement for ICHILLIN’ as they participated in the pre-game festivities.
Member Yeju kicked off the event with the ceremonial first pitch, followed by leader E. Ji stepping up to the plate for the first bat. As they eagerly awaited their group performance later in the game, tragedy struck during the third inning.
Chowon, the youngest member of the group, was hit in the back of the head by a stray foul ball, rendering her unconscious. Thankfully, immediate medical attention was provided by on-site physicians and officials, allowing Chowon to regain consciousness. Despite initial fears, reports suggested that her injuries were not severe.
However, precautionary measures were taken, and Chowon was transferred to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. KM Entertainment, the group's management agency, expressed concern for Chowon’s well-being and announced the cancellation of ICHILLIN’s performance scheduled for that day.
The incident, captured in footage uploaded to YouTube, showcased the chaos and concern among the group and the audience as they witnessed the unforeseen accident. While the exact moment of impact was omitted from the video, the sound of the ball and the reactions of those present painted a vivid picture of the harrowing event.
In a statement, a representative from KM Entertainment confirmed Chowon’s condition and outlined the decision to prioritize her recovery, emphasizing the advice of medical professionals. Though plans were disrupted, the focus shifted to providing Chowon with the necessary time and care to recuperate fully.
While accidents can happen in any live event, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures, particularly in high-energy environments like baseball games and live performances. The K-pop community rallied around Chowon, sending messages of support and well-wishes for her speedy recovery.
As Chowon receives treatment and rests under the care of medical professionals, fans and fellow artists alike await her return with hopeful anticipation, eager to see her back on stage, smiling and singing alongside her ICHILLIN’ bandmates. Until then, the priority remains her health and recovery, ensuring that she returns stronger than ever to pursue her passion for music.