Seoul: 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) revealed that this decision was made during its executive committee meeting, where general managers from the league's 10 clubs agreed to implement the system ahead of the originally planned schedule.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the KBO had initially intended to introduce the check-swing challenge at the start of the 2026 season, following a trial in the Futures League, KBO's minor league, in 2025. However, throughout the current season, managers have urged for an expedited implementation, emphasizing the necessity for accurate and transparent calls, prompting the league to act.
The KBO announced it will conduct tests using cameras installed at each stadium over the next month before the rule is enforced. The league specified that its own cameras, rather than broadcast feeds, will be utilized for reviews. Notably, attempts to bunt will not be subject to challenges.
Under the new rule, teams will be granted two opportunities to request a video review on check-swing calls, with an additional opportunity available during extra innings. Teams that successfully overturn the original call will retain their challenge.