Recent survey reveals KIA's strong fan base as interest in baseball fluctuates across demographics
Category: Sports
In a recent survey conducted by Korean Gallup from March 24 to 26, 2026, the KIA Tigers emerged as the most popular professional baseball team in South Korea, with 13% of respondents naming it their favorite. Following closely behind were the Hanwha Eagles at 10%, and tied for third place were the Samsung Lions and Lotte Giants, each at 9%. The LG Twins, the defending champions, ranked fifth with just 5% of the votes.
The survey, which sampled 1,000 individuals aged 18 and older, revealed a notable decline in the popularity of teams based in the Seoul metropolitan area. The LG Twins saw their support decrease from 7% in 2024 to 5% this year, marking a steady decline over the last three years. Similarly, the Doosan Bears dropped from 6% in 2023 to a mere 3% this year.
Interestingly, 46% of respondents indicated that they did not have a favorite team, highlighting a segment of the population that remains disengaged from the sport. Among those who identified as baseball fans, KIA maintained its lead with 23% support, followed by Hanwha and Samsung at 17% each, and Lotte at 15%.
Gender differences were also evident in the survey results. Male respondents favored KIA (14%), Hanwha (12%), and Samsung (9%), whereas female fans preferred Lotte (9%) and Doosan (4%). This trend indicates that men tend to favor KIA and LG, whereas women show a stronger preference for Lotte and Doosan.
Age also played a role in team preferences. Among respondents aged 18 to 29, Lotte was the most favored team at 11%, with Samsung and LG trailing behind at 6% and 2%, respectively. In stark opposition, among those aged 70 and above, KIA and Samsung were the top choices, each receiving 12%, with Lotte coming in third at 7%.
When asked which team they anticipated would win the championship in 2026, 13% of respondents selected the LG Twins as the likely victors, followed by Hanwha at 9% and KIA at 7%. The survey also highlighted the most popular player, with Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants leading at 13%, followed by Ryu Hyun-jin of Hanwha at 10% and Kim Do-young of KIA at 6%.
These findings come at a time when the interest in professional baseball in South Korea appears to be on a slight decline. According to previous surveys, the percentage of the population expressing interest in baseball peaked at 48% in 2014 but has since dropped to 33% in 2026. Notably, the proportion of female fans has increased, contrasting with a decrease in male interest.
The 2026 season opener occurred on March 29 at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, where the LG Twins faced off against the KT Wiz. This event drew considerable attention, as the KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) league continues to grapple with shifting fan dynamics and demographic changes.
Historically, the KIA Tigers have maintained a strong fan base, particularly in the Gwangju and Jeolla regions, where they consistently receive over 40% support regardless of their performance. This loyal following has helped KIA secure its position at the top of the popularity rankings for two consecutive years.
In terms of team performance, KIA has shown resilience, managing to stay competitive over the years. In comparison, Samsung Lions have seen a decline since their last championship win in 2014. Meanwhile, Lotte Giants, once a dominant force from 2008 to 2013, have struggled to regain their former glory since the emergence of the NC Dinos in 2013.
The survey also revealed that the interest in professional baseball is not solely driven by team performance but also influenced by regional demographics and historical loyalties. The five teams based in the metropolitan area—LG, Doosan, Kiwoom, SSG, and KT—face a challenge as their fan bases are increasingly dispersed, with many fans remaining loyal to their hometown teams even after relocating.
As the KBO league moves forward, experts suggest that teams may need to innovate and offer unique experiences to attract new fans outside their traditional regions. The league has seen a rise in attendance numbers, with over 1.2 million spectators in 2025, indicating that the passion for the game remains strong, albeit concentrated among a smaller segment of the population.
In terms of notable statistics, the KBO has recorded an impressive increase in attendance from a mere 330,000 in 2020, during the pandemic, to over 1.2 million in 2025, highlighting the resilience and enduring appeal of the sport.
As the season progresses, the KBO will be closely watched to see how it adapts to these changing dynamics, particularly in attracting a younger audience and maintaining engagement among existing fans. The league's ability to balance tradition with innovation will be key to its future success.
In sum, the KIA Tigers' top ranking reflects a complex interplay of regional loyalty, demographic shifts, and the enduring love for baseball in South Korea. As the league gears up for another exciting season, fans across the country closely to see which teams rise to the occasion.