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Four members of the Lotte Giants have been handed suspensions after the Korea Baseball Organization confirmed they visited a gambling facility during spring training in Taiwan.
The team reported the incident to the KBO Clean Baseball Center on February 14, two days after the players were seen at an electronic betting venue near their camp accommodation in Tainan.
The disciplinary committee met on February 23 and ruled that Kim Dong‑hyok, who had visited the site three times since last year, would serve a 50‑game suspension under Article 151 for “conduct damaging dignity.” Ko Seung‑min, Kim Se‑min, and Na Seung‑yup, each confirmed to have gone once, were handed 30‑game bans.
Players were warned beforehand
Ahead of winter training, the KBO reminded players that visiting gambling venues such as casinos or pachinko parlors could be treated as “conduct damaging dignity.” Despite repeated ethics education, the warning was ignored, and four Lotte Giants players entered an electronic betting facility during camp, sparking controversy.
The KBO explained, “Although a police investigation is ongoing, we have decided on preemptive sanctions considering the severity of the social controversy caused by the players and the damage to the league’s image. Additional sanctions may be imposed depending on the results of the police investigation.”
Lotte had already confirmed the players’ involvement and announced strict internal measures. The club accepted the KBO’s ruling, stating, “In accordance with the KBO disciplinary committee’s decision, Kim Dong-hyok received a 50-game suspension, while Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yup, and Kim Se-min each received a 30-game suspension. The organization will immediately implement these penalties and proceed with internal discussions based on the results.”
The team added, “We sincerely apologize again for causing concern among our fans due to this unfortunate incident. We will do our best to prepare during the remaining camp period to restore trust with our fans,” bowing their heads once more.
Source: Chosun
