The Korea Baseball Players’ Association (KPA) has bowed its head in response to the “drinking controversy” caused by players on the Korean National Baseball Team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
“We, the Korean Professional Baseball Players Association, feel a heavy responsibility for the drinking controversy of some players of the Korean National Baseball Team during the WBC, which has been reported in the media recently, and we apologize to the public and the fans who love professional baseball,” said Kim Hyun-soo, president of the KPA.
The baseball team entered the WBC ambitiously to revitalize Korean baseball, but suffered an early elimination in the first round with a 2-2 record.
To make matters worse, the public’s trust in Korean baseball plummeted after it was revealed that some players had been drinking during the tournament. Kim Kwang-hyun (SSG Landers), Chung Chul-won (Doosan Bears), and Lee Yong-chan (NC Dinos) admitted to drinking and issued apologies on March 1.
Chairman Kim Hyun-soo said, “Despite the public’s support and interest, we finished the WBC in March with less than expected results, so the players started the league with a heavy heart and were determined to show good performance. In the midst of this, an inexplicable incident called the WBC drinking controversy came to light, causing great disappointment and discomfort to the public and baseball fans.” 먹튀검증
“A player cannot be called a national team member just by playing well. Keeping in mind that a player representing the country has a great responsibility and must set an example for others outside of the game, we promise to prevent this from happening again.”
The KBO is currently focusing on determining the exact facts based on the statements submitted by the players. “Our players will actively participate in the investigation by the KBO Secretariat, and we promise to do our best to prevent a recurrence,” said Kim Hyun-soo. As the former captain of the WBC team and the current president of the players’ association representing professional baseball players, I would like to apologize once again.”