The 2025 KBO League has shattered its single-season attendance record with over 10.9 million fans attending games as of September 5, surpassing last year's mark with more than three weeks remaining in the regular season. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced that total attendance reached 10,901,173 after games on Friday drew 52,119 spectators, breaking the previous record of 10,887,705 set in 2024. The league has also set a new record for sellout games, reaching 295 this season, up from 224 last year. The surge in attendance reflects growing fan enthusiasm, driven by improved game fairness through technologies like the automatic pitching decision system and video review enhancements, as well as a faster pace of play Korea Bizwire report source.
On the field, the playoff race remains highly competitive as the regular season enters its final weeks. The Hanwha Eagles currently lead the standings with a 57-36-3 record, holding a three-game edge over the LG Twins (55-40-2). The Eagles have been consistent but recently dropped two games, while the Twins are on a one-game losing streak after a strong run. Behind them, the Lotte Giants (53-42-3) and KT Wiz (50-45-3) are battling closely for the remaining postseason spots, with the Giants holding a slight advantage. The Samsung Lions and SSG Landers, both with .500 records, remain within striking distance, making the middle of the standings a crowded and unpredictable cluster MyKBO Stats Korea JoongAng Daily.
The league's expanded rosters, allowing 33 players instead of 28 since early September, have helped teams manage player workloads amid a congested schedule filled with make-up games from earlier weather cancellations. This has led to varied game frequencies, with some teams playing nearly daily and others only a few times per week, forcing managers to carefully balance pitching rotations and player stamina. The intense schedule and expanded rosters have also provided opportunities for younger players from the Futures League to gain top-flight experience, potentially impacting team strategies in the stretch run Korea JoongAng Daily.
Friday's highlighted matchups included a sellout crowd of 24,000 at Daegu Samsung Lions Park for the Lions versus Kiwoom Heroes game, marking the Lions' 47th sellout this season, second only to the Hanwha Eagles' 55. The Lotte Giants and SSG Landers drew 21,529 fans at Incheon, while the NC Dinos hosted the Doosan Bears with 6,590 in attendance. A scheduled game between the Kia Tigers and KT Wiz was postponed due to rain, adding to the complex scheduling challenges teams face as the season winds down Korea Bizwire report.
As the regular season approaches its September 30 conclusion, the KBO continues to captivate fans with record-breaking attendance and a fiercely contested playoff race, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.