Photos by @junmichaelpark @seoulphotographer / I documented the start of South Korea’s baseball season for a @bloomberg Markets photo essay, depicting the new normal in the age of Covid-19.
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I went to two games during opening week. Being in empty stadiums was a strange experience. Only journalists, staff members and cheerleaders were in the stands, whereas a handful of fans was on their toes outside, trying to watch the game through the fences, or sitting in front of the locked gates watching a livestream. With no fans to cheer the players on, there was no real advantage for the home team anymore. While the game may have looked alright on TV, in the stadium itself pro sports are no fun without spectators. Still, many fans around the world are happy to finally have some baseball to watch. The KBO games are even being broadcast in the US.

I want to thank photo director Donna Cohen for all her trust and kindness. Back in 2015, when I was just starting out and cold pitching, Donna was one of only two photo editors to reply and provide me with positive feedback. It meant the world to me and gave me the strength and courage to keep going. I’m grateful to finally have had the chance to work with her after all these years.
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Swipe left to see more images. You can view the photo essay .

(Proofreading by M.)