Seoul, Feb 23: KBO League has handed down suspensions ranging from 30 to 50 games to four players from the Lotte Giants after confirming they visited a gambling venue during the club’s spring training camp in Taiwan.
The disciplinary decision was finalized during a league committee meeting held at the KBO Conference Room on the 23rd. League officials said the players had visited an electronic betting arcade near the team’s accommodation in Tainan, where Lotte held its first spring camp of the season.
According to the league’s findings, Kim Dong-hyuk visited the establishment three times dating back to last year and received a 50-game suspension. Teammates Ko Seung-min, Kim Se-min, and Na Seung-yup were each found to have visited once and were suspended for 30 games apiece.
The club reported the matter to the KBO’s Clean Baseball Center shortly after becoming aware of the incident. League officials stated that Article 151 of the KBO regulations — which addresses conduct deemed damaging to the dignity and integrity of the sport — was applied in determining the penalties.
Although a police investigation into the case remains ongoing, the league opted to impose sanctions ahead of its conclusion. In a statement, the KBO cited the seriousness of the matter, the public controversy generated by the incident, and the potential harm to the league’s reputation as reasons for acting swiftly.
Officials also noted that further disciplinary measures could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation. The Lotte Giants are expected to conduct their own internal review and may consider additional team-level sanctions.
The suspensions come as the KBO continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining integrit and public trust in professional baseball, particularly amid heightened scrutiny over gambling-related issues in sports.
