Lotte Giants Baseball Players Face Suspension After Gambling Allegations and Harassment Claims in Taiwan
A scandal is unfolding for the South Korean professional baseball team Lotte Giants, as four players have been implicated in visiting an illegal gambling facility during spring training in Taiwan, alongside allegations of inappropriate behavior toward a female employee. The club has announced the immediate return of the players to South Korea and pledged “severe action.”
On Thursday, February 13th, the Lotte Giants confirmed that Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min were found to have visited a gambling establishment prohibited by Taiwanese law. The visit occurred after training on February 11th, during a scheduled rest day on February 12th.
The controversy initially surfaced when a video circulating on social media and online communities depicted the players in a gaming room. Disturbingly, the footage also appeared to show one player engaging in what has been described as inappropriate physical contact with a female employee. While the players reportedly claimed they were unaware of the gambling facility’s illegality – contrasting with the legal status of pachinko in Japan – they have vehemently denied the allegations of sexual harassment.
“Regardless of the reason, we plan to immediately send home the four players who committed an act that violates the KBO and the club’s internal regulations,” a club spokesperson stated. “We will immediately report it to the KBO Clean Baseball Center. Depending on the results, the club will take corresponding measures.” The club emphasized the seriousness of the situation, promising a full investigation and further disciplinary action if additional misconduct is uncovered. A team-wide warning has also been issued.
According to regulations set forth by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), players found guilty of gambling face penalties ranging from a suspension of more than one month, a ban from participation for over 30 games, or a fine exceeding 3 million won.
This incident marks the latest challenge for the Lotte Giants, who are currently conducting their first spring camp in Tainan, Taiwan. The team has already been grappling with injuries to key players, including Kim Won-joong, who suffered a rib fracture in a car accident, and Choi Jun-yong, who sustained a rib sprain preventing his participation in the camp. Earlier in the camp, personal issues involving Jeong Cheol-won, a prominent player from last year’s team, also drew public attention.
The Lotte Giants’ swift response underscores the KBO’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. The unfolding situation raises questions about player conduct during off-duty hours and the potential for stricter oversight during international training camps. The club’s full investigation and the KBO’s subsequent ruling will undoubtedly set a precedent for future incidents and shape the narrative surrounding professional baseball in South Korea.
