HYBE's cheer stick technology has once again graced the world sports stage.
On the 12th (local time), HYBE supplied self-made cheer bands at the opening ceremony of the '2025 World Men's Volleyball Championship' held in Manila, Philippines. This is the second time HYBE has applied its self-made cheering tools (hardware) and unique performance technology (software) to an international sports event, following the Paris Olympics last year, continuously leading the expansion of K-pop cheering culture into the sports realm worldwide.
At the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Men's Volleyball Championship (hereinafter referred to as the World Men's Volleyball Championship) held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, 10,000 self-developed cheer bands from HYBE were distributed to the audience. This was in accordance with the supply contract for cheer bands signed with the organizers of the World Men's Volleyball Championship in June, and HYBE specially produced cheer bands equipped with its own cheer stick technology for this event.
The cheer band is designed in the form of a band worn on the wrist, allowing for free use of hands compared to traditional cheer sticks, making it suitable for various performance venues and sports events. HYBE previously supplied cheer bands for the home ground matches of the e-sports team T1 last year.
On this day, HYBE heightened the atmosphere of the opening ceremony with cheering light displays reminiscent of a K-pop concert. Through central control technology, the colors and lighting of the cheer bands were adjusted appropriately according to the cheering slogans and the flow of the game, enhancing the cheering excitement.
The performance of the ambassador group BOYNEXTDOOR, which concluded the opening ceremony, also illuminated the venue with the lights of the cheer bands. As they performed a total of four songs, including the hit songs 'I LOVE YOU Today' and 'I Feel Good', the wave of cheer band lights created an atmosphere reminiscent of a concert, reaching a peak. In particular, HYBE showcased a scene where the cheering culture of sports and K-pop merged by synchronizing the cheer sticks of BOYNEXTDOOR's fandom with the cheer bands, presenting the same light display. The cheer bands distributed on-site and the BOYNEXTDOOR cheer sticks were equipped with HYBE's own cheer stick technology, allowing for a more cohesive and grand light display.
A HYBE representative stated, "In light of the recent rise of K-culture globally, we are very pleased to create another example of expanding the cheering culture of K-pop into the international sports arena," and added, "We will continue to play a role in creating fresh synergies between K-pop culture and other fields to further enhance the influence of K-pop."
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
