Dodgers Star Kim Hye-seong Apologizes for Airport Confrontation Over FatherS Debt
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A public apology from Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Kim Hye-seong comes after a contentious exchange wiht a creditor of his father upon his return to south Korea,overshadowing his successful debut season in Major League Baseball. the 26-year-old addressed the controversy stemming from an incident at Incheon International Airport on December 6th, and a subsequent interview, expressing deep regret for his actions and words.
Kim Hye-seong enjoyed a strong first year in MLB, appearing in 71 regular season games for the dodgers, where he recorded a .280 batting average, three home runs, 17 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. Though, his homecoming was instantly marred by a confrontation with a man identified as Mr. Kim, who has been publicly seeking repayment of a debt owed by the player’s father for over a decade.
A Heated Exchange at the Airport
The incident unfolded as Kim Hye-seong arrived at incheon Airport after completing his season with the dodgers. According to reports, Mr. Kim was present with a banner displaying a critical message about the player. In a moment of frustration, Kim Hye-seong reportedly told Mr. Kim, “If you stop that guy, I will do my best to interview you,” a statement he now acknowledges was inappropriate.
“The actions at that time cannot be excused with any words, and I continue to regret and reflect on them,” Kim Hye-seong stated in a social media post on December 22nd. “I apologize once again to Mr. Kim who was at the scene, the reporters who were there to cover the story, and everyone who watched this scene.”
Years of Public Pressure
Mr.Kim, frequently enough referred to by baseball fans as “Mr. Gocheok Kim,” has been a persistent presence at Kim Hye-seong’s games and public appearances since 2018, holding banners demanding his father repay the debt. The debt itself dates back to 2009, when kim Hye-seong’s father reportedly ran an entertainment establishment and incurred a 120 million won debt.
Kim Hye-seong explained that he first encountered Mr. kim in person in 2019 and offered to settle the debt. However, the creditor declined, stating his goal was not to receive funds directly from the player, but to compel his father to address the issue. “He did not accept the offer, saying, ‘It is not to receive money from the player, but to inform the father of the situation,’ and has continued to protest publicly since then,” Kim Hye-seong revealed.
Acknowledging Mistakes and Taking Duty
The player admitted to remaining silent for over two weeks following the airport incident, initially believing quiet reflection was the best course of action. However, he realized this silence could be misinterpreted as a lack of accountability.
“I always felt sorry for fear of causing a great inconvenience to my fellow players and fans,” Kim Hye-seong confessed. He further stated he has been financially assisting his family, contributing to a down payment and utilizing his salary to address the situation. He expressed hope that his efforts would provide some relief to those affected by his father’s debt.
recent reporting on SBS’ ‘Curious Story Y’ revealed that Mr. Kim and Kim Hye-seong’s father, identified as Mr. A, recently reached a tentative agreement to settle the debt, with Mr.A agreeing to repay 50 million won by December 20th.
“At that moment, I couldn’t properly control my emotions and ended up saying and doing something I shouldn’t have done,” Kim Hye-seong concluded. “I am deeply reflecting without any excuses, and I will try to use this incident as an prospect to become a better person.”
