A New Era for Baseball Entertainment: Flame Baseball Launches

Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome was the stage for the inaugural game of “flame Baseball” on April 27th, marking the debut of a new baseball entertainment venture. The “Fireworks Fighters,” Flame Baseball’s team, faced off against Dongguk University, signaling the start of what promises to be a fiery season.

Fan Engagement: Special Launch Event

To celebrate its launch, Flame Baseball is hosting a special event running from April 27th to May 6th. Fans are encouraged to capture and share their game experiences using a designated hashtag for a chance to win exclusive prizes. The rewards include:

• Fireworks Fighters’ Signal Vol collection (2 winners)
• Skybox tickets for a Flame Baseball intuition game (1 winner)
• Flame Baseball intuition tickets (10 winners, 1 ticket per winner)
• Flame Baseball hats

Winners will be announced on May 12th, adding an extra layer of excitement to the initial games.

Copyright Controversy: A Shadow Over the Field

Despite the excitement surrounding its launch, Flame Baseball is embroiled in a legal dispute. The project originates from the creator of JTBC‘s “Strongest Baseball,” leading to a conflict over alleged copyright infringement.

The dispute centers around claims that “Flame Baseball” improperly leverages the narrative and cast of “Strongest Baseball.” JTBC has taken legal action against Studio C1, the production company behind Flame Baseball, alleging copyright violations.JTBC officials have stated their concern that even under a diffrent name, the continuation of the original show’s narrative and cast constitutes infringement.

Even if it is shot in a different name, it is a cast that continues the narrative of ‘strongest baseball’, so it is concerned about copyright infringement.
JTBC Officials

This legal battle highlights the increasing complexities of intellectual property in the entertainment industry, particularly as new formats and platforms emerge.Similar cases, such as the dispute between Epic Games and Apple over Fortnite’s in-app payment system, underscore the high stakes involved in copyright and intellectual property litigation.

Roster and Rivalries: Familiar Faces Return

Flame Baseball has unveiled its team roster, the “Fireworks Fighters,” featuring a lineup of seasoned players, many of whom were prominent figures in “Strongest Baseball.” The roster includes:

Lee Kwang-gil, Oh Se-hoon, Park Yong-taek, Jung Sung-hoon, Song seung-jun, lee Taek-geun, Nippert, Lee Dae-ho, Jung Geun-woo, yoo Hee-gwan, Jung Eui-yoon, kim Moon-ho, Lee Dae-eun, shin Jae-young, Park Jae-wook, Choi Soo-hyun, Kim Jae-ho, Lim Sung-woo, Mun-moo, and Sun Sung-kwon.

The presence of these familiar faces adds a layer of intrigue to Flame Baseball, as fans will be keen to see how these players perform in this new venture.

JTBC’s Response: “Strongest Baseball” Gears Up for a New Season

In response to the launch of Flame Baseball, JTBC has announced plans for a new season of “Strongest Baseball.” Aiming for a September premiere, “Strongest Baseball 2025” will feature a revamped team under a new manager. JTBC has also issued a warning regarding the alleged copyright infringement.

I hope that the industry and officials will not be damaged by the illegal production and broadcasting of the title, name and composition.
JTBC Officials

The network’s strong stance underscores the seriousness of the legal battle and its determination to protect its intellectual property. The upcoming season of “Strongest Baseball” will undoubtedly be viewed as a direct response to Flame Baseball, setting the stage for a potential ratings war.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Baseball Entertainment

The launch of Flame Baseball and the ongoing copyright dispute raise important questions about the future of baseball entertainment. As new formats and platforms emerge, the industry must grapple with issues of intellectual property and fair competition. The outcome of this legal battle could have notable implications for the growth of new sports entertainment ventures.