Korean professional baseball's cheering culture is remarkably unique. The iconic cheers that unfold in each stadium reveal a spontaneity, originality, and creativity rarely seen elsewhere. Through this inventive cheering culture, baseball fans cultiva...
Korean professional baseball's cheering culture is remarkably unique. The iconic cheers that unfold in each stadium reveal a spontaneity, originality, and creativity rarely seen elsewhere. Through this inventive cheering culture, baseball fans cultivate a regional identity and a strong sense of belonging. This study focuses on the fact that this distinctive culture stems from the inherent narrative structure of sports. Firstly, this research analyzes the narrative structure of professional baseball through A. J. Greimas’s actantial model and semiotic square. In particular, the ‘frame structure’ and ‘grid structure’—which are narrative forms—provide a useful framework for understanding the differences between Korean and Japanese spectator cultures. Furthermore, the concept of the ‘collective actant’ offers key insights into how Korean spectators actively participate in games. Through this analysis, the study reveals that Korean professional baseball’s cheering culture transcends mere support; it is a living history where the memories of the regional community are shared and identity is affirmed. It is a cultural asset embodying the passion and emotions of its fans.