Hanwha Eagles' Ha Ju-seok and Cheerleader Kim Yeon-jung to Marry in December

Professional baseball player Ha Ju-seok of the Hanwha Eagles and cheerleader Kim Yeon-jung of the Hanwha Eagles are set to tie the knot in December.

The news first emerged during the broadcast of the game between the Hanwha Eagles and SSG Landers on December 1st, where a comment about Ha Ju-seok's upcoming wedding was made. Subsequently, Ha Ju-seok began distributing wedding invitations to his acquaintances, solidifying the wedding plans.

Their union marks a significant moment, challenging the unwritten rule that once existed in baseball regarding relationships between players and cheerleaders. This signals a shift, indicating that such relationships are no longer considered taboo.

Ha Ju-seok, who joined the Hanwha Eagles as the first overall pick in the 2012 draft, has grown into a key shortstop and a leader for the team. His fiancée, Kim Yeon-jung, is the team leader of the Hanwha Eagles cheerleading squad and the head of Sky Cheerleader Agency. Debuting in 2007, she is a veteran who has experienced cheering in various leagues, including the KBO, K League, KBL, WKBL, and KOVO.

Previously, prominent cheerleader Park Ki-ryang had mentioned in a TV appearance the burden that relationships with athletes could bring, hinting at the existence of such an unwritten rule within the industry. In some cases, certain teams in the 수도권 (metropolitan area) would require cheerleaders dating players to switch their応援 (cheering) teams.

However, with a string of recent marriage announcements involving players and cheerleaders, the atmosphere in the field appears to be changing. Last month, KIA Tigers catcher Han Jun-su announced his marriage to former LG Twins cheerleader Kim Yi-seo. Additionally, rumors of a relationship surfaced for cheerleader Lee Ju-eun, who has expanded her career to Taiwan.

Online communities are also buzzing with support, with comments like 'Love knows no borders' and 'It's a natural progression; we cheer even more for a franchise couple.'

Netizens have reacted positively, with comments such as "Finally getting married! You two look great together," "It's unusual but very supportive to see a player-cheerleader couple. Wishing you a happy married life!" and "It's wonderful to see the meeting of a Hanwha franchise star and a fantastic cheerleader."