SEOUL – The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has handed down significant suspensions to four players from the Lotte Giants after they were caught frequenting a gambling establishment during the team’s spring training in Tainan, Taiwan.
In a disciplinary committee meeting held on the 23rd, the league announced that pitchers and infielders Kim Dong-hyeok (25), Koh Seung-min (25), Kim Se-min (22), and Na Sung-yeop (24) will face bans ranging from 30 to 50 games.
Details of the Incident
The controversy erupted on February 12, when the four players visited an adult entertainment arcade located near the team’s dormitory in Tainan. According to the KBO, the players engaged in electronic betting games. While the venue might be legally accessible to locals, the KBO strictly prohibits its personnel from entering any establishment associated with speculative gaming or gambling to maintain the integrity of the sport.
The Lotte Giants organization reportedly became aware of the incident shortly after and took proactive measures by reporting the players to the KBO’s Clean Baseball Center on February 14.
Disciplinary Breakdown
The KBO applied Article 151 of the KBO League Rules, which addresses "Acts Damaging the Dignity of Baseball." The severity of the punishment was determined by the frequency of the visits:
The league noted that while Kim Dong-hyeok faced a heavier penalty for his repeated involvement, all four were held accountable for ignoring prior warnings regarding conduct during overseas training.
A Blow to the League's Reputation
The timing of the scandal is particularly stinging for the KBO. Ahead of the 2026 spring training season, the league had issued a "Clean Baseball" memorandum to all ten clubs. This document explicitly warned players that entering casinos, pachinko parlors, or any speculative betting venues constitutes a violation of the league's code of conduct.
"The league decided to take preemptive action considering the social outcry and the damage done to the KBO's public image," a league official stated. "Even while a police investigation is ongoing, the internal disciplinary measures reflect our zero-tolerance policy for behavior that compromises the dignity of the sport."
The Road Ahead
The legal troubles for the "Lotte Four" are likely not over. Local police are currently investigating the matter, and if criminal charges are filed or evidence of larger-scale gambling emerges, the KBO reserves the right to impose additional sanctions.
Furthermore, the Lotte Giants are expected to announce their own internal disciplinary measures. For a team looking to build momentum for the upcoming season, losing key young assets like Na Sung-yeop and Koh Seung-min—both of whom were expected to play significant roles in the lineup—is a massive competitive setback.
This incident serves as a stern reminder to the league's younger generation that professional status carries a burden of responsibility that extends far beyond the diamond.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
