Lotte Giants Baseball Team Faces Disciplinary Action After Illegal Gambling Scandal

By Lee Hu-gwang

February 25, 2026

The Lotte Giants professional baseball team is grappling with the fallout from an illegal gambling scandal involving four of its players. The incident, which came to light after a CCTV video surfaced online, has resulted in suspensions from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and an internal review by the club.

The Scandal Unfolds

On February 13th, a CCTV video was uploaded to a domestic online community appearing to show Lotte Giants players participating in games at a PC gaming center in Taiwan during their spring camp. An immediate investigation by the Lotte Club confirmed suspicions of illegal gambling.

The club announced on the evening of February 13th that players Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min had visited establishments classified as illegal in Taiwan. The four players were immediately sent home and the KBO Clean Baseball Center was notified.

KBO Penalties

On February 23rd, the KBO held a disciplinary committee meeting and imposed penalties. Kim Dong-hyuk, who visited the illegal gambling location three times, received a 50-game suspension. Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, and Kim Se-min, who each visited once, were suspended for 30 games each. The KBO stated that the preemptive sanctions were issued considering the seriousness of the issue and the potential damage to the league’s image, with the possibility of additional sanctions pending the outcome of the ongoing police investigation.

Impact on the Lotte Giants

The suspensions significantly impact the Lotte Giants’ plans for the 2026 season. Na Seung-yeop and Ko Seung-min were key players in coach Kim Tae-hyung’s planned starting lineup. Kim Dong-hyuk was a valuable outfield backup. Coach Kim Tae-hyung expressed concern over the loss of these players, stating their absence creates a “huge void” and makes it “hard to breathe” for the team. He acknowledged that all previous plans have been disrupted.

Coach Kim Tae-hyung stated he had not yet had the opportunity to speak with the players directly but expressed hope they were regretting their actions, and concern for their families. He plans to speak with them upon his return to Busan.

Club Disciplinary Action

In addition to the KBO penalties, the Lotte Club has initiated its own disciplinary committee to review the incident and determine further action. The results of the club’s internal review are expected to be announced on February 26th or 27th, according to Lotte general manager Park Jun-hyuk.