On May 21, 2025, Kyung Hee University (KHU) and kt sports signed a business agreement, pledging mutual exchange and development in the field of sports. Along with this agreement, they organized various promotional events and activities during the KBO League match between kt wiz and KIA Tigers. Notably, the enthusiastic response from the crowd at the stadium signaled a smooth start of their collaboration.

KHU-kt sports Signed Industry-Academia Agreement, Paving Way for Sports Sector Advancements

Through this agreement, the University and kt sports have committed to mutual cooperation in the sports field. The main points of the agreement include enhancing job competencies and fostering joint research and development, facilitating on-site experience exchanges and jointly promoting marketing initiatives, and implementing collaborative social contribution activities centered on the local community.

Song Hye-kyung, Vice Dean of Office of External Development, which pushed for this agreement, explained the source of cooperation: "While planning joint projects with professional sports teams based on the Graduate School of Physical Education's Sports DNA+ program, we decided to pursue this agreement and event with the nearby professional baseball team, Suwon kt wiz."

​Regarding the agreement, both institutions expressed high expectations. According to the agreement document, the cooperation is to create future-oriented value by combining both institutions’ advantages which stated: “the University’s specialized theories and educational systems, and the professional sports team’s practical experience and on-site data. Furthermore, the preamble of the agreement document declares that they would reinvest the generated value back into the local community development process to fulfill their social responsibilities.”

KHU-kt sports Industry-Academia Cooperation Ceremony

Photo: provided by KHU communication center

KHU & kt wiz Day: A First Step in Collaboration, Engaging KBO Fans

Along with the agreement, the University and kt wiz hosted a variety of promotional events and a booth at the KBO League baseball game. Pre-game events included a performance by the University’s Taekwondo demonstration team, a screening of the University’s promotional video, the singing of the national anthem by a KHU student, and a first pitch-hit ceremony by the President Kim Jin-sang and the Global Campus General Student Association President Park Byeong-jun. During the game, a KHU Quiz Time was held after the bottom of the third inning, and a special performance by the University’s cheerleading team took place during the cleaning time after the fifth inning.

​Promotional activities for the University also took place outside the stadium. KHUmily, the University's external public relations supporters, ran a promotional booth. Spectators could receive handkerchiefs and tattoo stickers emblazoned with the University's symbols at the booth before entering, along with information from KHUmily.

​The day's events served as an effective opportunity for the University to promote itself to the general public. Notably, reflecting the popularity of the KBO League, a total of 16,302 spectators filled Suwon kt wiz Park that day. Some in-game events were also broadcast, reaching viewers across the country and further amplifying the promotional impact.

Performance by KHU Taekwondo Demonstration Team 

KHU-kt sports Collaboration: A Resounding Start Amidst Enthusiastic Fan Reception

The fervent reaction significantly heightened anticipation for the collaboration. When the Taekwondo demonstration team performed, the audience was captivated throughout their quite long 20-minute performance. People cheered loudly, especially when the team showed off amazing Taekwondo skills.

​The response to Yoon Min-seo from the Dept. of Post Modern Music, who sang the national anthem, was equally enthusiastic. While a solemn atmosphere initially marked the Pledge of Allegiance, the crowd erupted in loud cheers as the student delivered a powerful high-note performance.

​Furthermore, the stadium visitors showed a high level of interest in the University by actively participating in the promotional booth run by KHUmily. A KHUmily’s staff remarked, "We prepared about 300 souvenirs, and as you can see, most of them are gone. Not only KHU students but also the general public showed great interest," highlighting the success of the promotional efforts.

Promotional Booth run by KHUmily

This agreement and its signing ceremony signaled a promising start. The enthusiastic responses reflected strong interest in the agreement, reinforcing the potential to achieve its intended outcomes. Continued collaboration between the University and kt sports may not only contribute to advancements in the sports field but also generate broader benefits for the local community.