Intermission claimed the 2026 Konu Cup 20th Hanstar Celebrity Baseball Tournament 1st tournament title on October 12, defeating BMB in the final at Incheon Seonhak Baseball Stadium, sports.khan.co.kr reported. The victory locks up the opening tournament trophy for Intermission, setting the stage for a broader postseason gauntlet.
The Championship Clash and Individual Honors
The title-deciding fixture tested both dugouts under high-leverage conditions at Seonhak Baseball Stadium. Despite the intensity of the final, both clubs maintained structural discipline and sportsmanship. When the final out was recorded, Intermission emerged with the championship plaque, and players and tournament officials gathered for a commemorative group photo following the match.
Post-game ceremonies highlighted standout individual performances across the diamond. Intermission actor Oh Man-seok captured the tournament MVP award for his decisive contributions. Meanwhile, BMB collected recognition through Lee Jong-hyuk, who took home the popularity award, and Ha Do-kwon, who secured the manager’s choice honor for sportsmanship.
| Award Category | Recipients | Club Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Most Valuable Player (MVP) | Oh Man-seok | Intermission |
| Popularity Award | Lee Jong-hyuk | BMB |
| Manner Award | Ha Do-kwon | BMB |
Sponsorship Integration and Commercial Footprint
Beyond the box score, the tournament served as an active branding ground for its commercial partners. Premium skincare brand Cosme Nuevo, backed by natural bio-material firm Hankei Holdings, outfitted all award winners with exclusive product sets. The brand also supplied product packages to both finalist squads. The event itself is co-hosted by natural bio-based cosmetics company Hankei Holdings and the Korea Celebrity Sports Association, and managed by Hanstar Media.
The corporate partnership extended into the stadium concourses. Event organizers set up dedicated promotional zones alongside the official corporate mascot, Conu, blending athletic competition with direct consumer marketing and commemorative team activations.
Transition to the Second Tournament Phase
The calendar shifts quickly as the competition moves into its next phase on October 19. Ten celebrity baseball organizations will populate the 2-stage bracket: Stars, Invincible, Crusaders, JomaJoma, Intermission, Gonoliya, P.O.M., Bromance, BMB, and Albatross, with the matches expected to feature the familiar camaraderie and passionate play characteristic of celebrity baseball.
Schedule configurations lock in matchdays across October 19, October 26, November 2, and November 9, culminating in a championship match on November 16. As the initial bracket winner, Intermission already holds a secured slot in the ultimate King of Kings playoff series, where they will face the victor of the upcoming 2-stage tournament.
Expanding Global Cultural Exchange
Organizers are leveraging the tournament’s visibility to build international bridges. Plans are underway to evaluate player performances across the brackets to assemble a traveling roster for future international celebrity baseball friendlies.
Hankei Holdings intends to utilize these upcoming overseas exchanges as a vehicle for international brand expansion. By pairing athletic competition with cross-border cultural diplomacy, the initiative aims to scale the operational footprint of celebrity baseball beyond domestic borders.
