Matt Damon is currently in South Korea to promote “The Odyssey,” but still made time for some fun, attending a local baseball game with his family and enthusiastically cheering from the stands.
He wasn’t alone in immersing himself in Korean culture, as famed director Christopher Nolan also went sightseeing before getting down to business on the film’s promotional tour.
Damon’s love for sports is well documented, and the actor recently opened up about his admiration for Argentinian football icon Lionel Messi.
Matt Damon surprised South Korean baseball fans as he attended Saturday’s matchup between the Kiwoom Heroes and SSG Landers at Gocheok Sky Dome.
The 55-year-old actor arrived in the country on August 1 via a chartered flight through Gimpo International Airport’s private terminal.
Director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and co-star Charlize Theron also made the trip as they kicked off promotions for the blockbuster film “The Odyssey.”
Before beginning the official press tour, Damon made an unannounced trip to the stadium with his wife and daughters, where he was seen enthusiastically cheering from the stands while wearing a Kiwoom Heroes vest.
At one point, the broadcaster introduced him as his image appeared on the stadium’s big screen, but Damon appeared so engrossed in the game that he seemed unaware of the attention.
“He came to Korea to promote ‘Odyssey.’ He is originally famous for loving baseball,” the commentator said, per Star News Korea.
Damon Reveals Why He Wanted To Return To Korea
Damon’s trip marks his first visit to South Korea in a decade after promoting “Jason Bourne” in 2016.
Alongside the rest of the cast and crew, he attended a press conference for the film on Monday, August 3, where he reflected on his return, his experience at the baseball game, and his affection for the country.
“I came to Korea again after 10 years. I am so happy to be back in Korea. When we talked about the ‘Odyssey’ tour and where we wanted to go, I expressed how much I wanted to come to Korea, and I am glad to be here today,” he said during the event, held in the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Damon’s Appearance Was To Support An Acquaintance
During the press conference, the “Good Will Hunting” star explained that his trip to the baseball game stemmed from a personal connection with Kiwoom Heroes slugger Matt Davidson, whom he knows through a mutual friend who works as a baseball agent.
“I have a friend who is a baseball agent, and one of the players he represents plays for the Kiwoom Heroes,” Damon said, per Star News Korea. “When I arrived at the airport, I was told I could watch the game, so I went. I had heard that Korean baseball is great, so I really wanted to see it, and it was so much fun.”
He also said one of the most “fascinating” aspects of the experience was the atmosphere created by South Korean fans, noting that each team’s supporters cheered separately, unlike what he is accustomed to in the United States.
“Although it’s the same sport, the way people cheer in Korea is different, which I found interesting and enjoyable,” he said, adding that he also spent time exploring the country and thought it was “great.”
Meanwhile, Nolan, who is visiting South Korea for the first time, also took time to explore Ikseon-dong, a neighborhood known for its traditional hanok houses. Reports say he sampled the area’s famous salt bread and stopped by a popular café.
Matt Damon Brings His Passion For Sports To ‘The Odyssey’ Tour
Damon’s passion for sports appears to be a recurring theme throughout his promotional tour for “The Odyssey.”
At the height of last month’s World Cup, he was in Miami promoting the film when he attended the June 27 match between Colombia and Portugal alongside Colombian actor John Leguizamo.
Shortly before kickoff, Damon stopped for an interview with Telemundo and was asked whether his family owned a Lionel Messi jersey or flag, given that his wife, Luciana Barroso, is Argentinian.
“Of course. He’s more important than I am,” Damon joked, implying just how much his family admires the Inter Miami superstar. “At my house, Messi is more important than me. Argentina is my team.”
He still made sure to show support for Leguizamo’s home country, adding: “Argentina is my team, but today it’s Colombia because my friend here is Colombian.”
‘The Odyssey’ Stars Keep Busy During Packed South Korea Tour
Meanwhile, Damon and the rest of “The Odyssey” team are on a packed four-night, five-day visit to South Korea ahead of the film’s August 5 release.
Following Monday’s press conference, the cast is scheduled to attend a red carpet meet-and-greet with fans at Yeongdeungpo Times Square on Tuesday, August 4.
That same day, they’ll appear on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” which has previously hosted Hollywood heavyweights such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, according to The Korea Times.
The group is also set to appear on programs including “Lee Dong-jin’s Phaeacia,” “Civilization Express,” and SBS’s “News Hunters,” wrapping up an extensive promotional schedule.
In “The Odyssey,” Damon stars as Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero who embarks on a perilous journey home to reunite with his wife, Penelope, after the Trojan War. His voyage, however, is filled with mythical obstacles and dangerous encounters that prolong his return.
