While four players from the professional baseball Lotte Giants are embroiled in controversy for entering an illegal gambling establishment during the first spring camp in Tainan, Taiwan, the controversy is spreading as claims are raised that this may not be the first such incident.
Suspicion of Lotte players entering local gambling dens in Taiwan arose through CCTV footage released on an online community. The video reportedly showed players playing games at a local gambling house, and the controversy quickly spread. In some posts, allegations of sexual harassment were also raised, and the situation spread out of control.
As the controversy grew, Lotte Club issued an official apology on the afternoon of the 13th. The club said, “As a result of interviewing the players and finding out the facts, we confirmed that Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min visited a place classified as illegal in the relevant country.” He then explained, “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 rules. They will be reported to the KBO Clean Baseball Center and corresponding measures will be taken based on the results.”
In addition, the club expressed its determination to prevent a recurrence, saying, “We are seriously aware of the current situation and will take strict action against any additional matters identified through a thorough investigation. We have also issued a warning to the entire team.” Lastly, he said, “I apologize once again for causing trouble.”
Meanwhile, claims were raised online that this may not be a one-off incident. The author of one post claimed to have met Koreans who appeared to be Lotte team officials in Tainan, Taiwan, in March of last year, and also released a photo he said was taken at the time. The author claimed that the people in question were players and coaches, but the authenticity of this claim and photo has not been confirmed.
The aftermath of the controversy is immediately affecting the management of the team. The four players involved in illegal gambling will be placed on probation after returning home on the afternoon of the 14th, and will not participate in remaining military training. The club plans to accept the KBO disciplinary results once they are announced, while also imposing additional, higher-level disciplinary action on its own.
Spring camp is the starting point for season preparation. This is the most important time to raise energy and strengthen the team atmosphere. This incident, which occurred at such a time, is expected to place a significant burden on both the team image and internal discipline. /what@osen.co.kr
date: 2026-02-14 21:27:00
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