This file image provided by the Korea Baseball Organization on Dec. 12, 2024, shows its emblem. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 22 (Korea Bizwire) – The top South Korean baseball league announced Tuesday it will allow clubs to challenge check-swing calls starting with games on Aug. 19.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) said the decision was reached during its executive committee meeting Tuesday, with the general managers from the league’s 10 clubs agreeing to implement the system ahead of schedule.
The KBO had initially planned to introduce the check-swing challenge at the start of the 2026 season, after testing it out in the Futures League, the KBO’s minor league, in 2025. However, managers have been calling for a prompt implementation of this system throughout the season, citing the need for accurate and transparent calls, and the league responded Tuesday.
The KBO said it will test out cameras installed at each stadium over the next month before the new rule takes effect.
It added that the league’s own cameras, not broadcast feeds, will be used for reviews. Bunt attempts cannot be challenged.
Teams will each have two opportunities to ask for a video review on check-swing calls, and they will be awarded another opportunity in extra innings. If teams are successful in overturning the original call, then they will retain their challenge.
(Yonhap)
