Professor Lee Seom-gyun's research team from the Department of Sports Science at Jeonbuk National University recently won the second prize in the Young Investigator Award at the 2025 World Congress on Kinesiology and Sport Science held at the Jeju International Convention Center.
Professor Lee presented research findings titled ‘From Human Calls to Automation’ alongside professors from Myongji University and Quinnipiac University in the US. This study analyzed, using deep learning-based machine learning techniques, the changes the Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) introduced to the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) had on players' actual game performance.
In his presentation, Professor Lee explained, “We focused on identifying, based on data, the actual impact the ABS system had on the game strategies and performance of pitchers and batters,” adding, “The patterns of change compared to the existing umpire judgment system will serve as important reference material for future improvements to professional sports regulations.”
He further emphasized, “It was meaningful to share and discuss research findings with leading scholars worldwide, and receiving this award added to the great sense of accomplishment. Moving forward, we will meticulously analyze how newly introduced regulations and technologies in the professional sports industry impact performance and fan experience, further advancing AI and big data-based research to provide insightful analysis.”