The Lotte Giants, a professional baseball team in South Korea, are facing a significant scandal following allegations of illegal gambling and inappropriate conduct during their spring training camp in Tainan, Taiwan. What began as an off-day outing for several players has quickly escalated into a legal and public relations crisis, prompting an immediate investigation by both the team and the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
On , CCTV footage began circulating online, appearing to show four Lotte Giants players – Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min – inside a gaming establishment identified as an illegal gambling venue under Taiwanese law. The club swiftly acknowledged the visit, issuing an apology and announcing the players’ immediate return to South Korea. “We confirmed that Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min visited illegally classified places in the country,” the team stated.
The situation is complicated by allegations of sexual harassment. Footage shared on social media reportedly shows player Ko Seung-min touching a female employee of the establishment. While the club has denied the allegations, claiming the contact was unintentional, the incident has fueled public outrage and prompted further scrutiny. A team spokesperson stated, “There seems to be a misunderstanding because of the player’s hand position…The employee was positioned further forward than his hand, so there was no contact. The player feels very wronged.”
The Lotte Giants began their spring training camp in Tainan on , hoping to build momentum for the upcoming KBO League season. The players reportedly visited the gambling venue on , a scheduled rest day during the camp. The club has emphasized the seriousness of the situation, promising a thorough investigation and stern disciplinary action. “We will immediately report it to the KBO Clean Baseball Center, and the club will take corresponding measures depending on the results,” the team said in a statement.
Beyond the immediate disciplinary concerns, the scandal has raised questions about the legality of how the CCTV footage was obtained and disseminated. According to Taiwanese law, CCTV footage is considered private information and its unauthorized distribution is a criminal offense. Several Taiwanese legal experts and media outlets have questioned the legitimacy of the leak, separate from the players’ alleged illegal activities. The footage was initially released through Korean online communities, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The incident has also sparked a reaction in Taiwan, with some local media outlets and social media users expressing frustration over the perceived disrespect shown by the players. Reports indicate that some online commentary mocked the players, with one post referencing a local slang term for sexual harassment.
The KBO has yet to announce specific penalties for the players involved, but the league is expected to conduct its own investigation and impose sanctions in accordance with its rules regarding gambling and conduct detrimental to the sport. The Lotte Giants have also warned the entire team about the consequences of similar behavior.
This scandal represents a significant blow to the Lotte Giants’ reputation and raises concerns about player conduct within the KBO League. The team’s swift response, including the players’ return to Korea and the promise of a thorough investigation, suggests an attempt to contain the damage and restore public trust. However, the legal questions surrounding the leaked CCTV footage and the ongoing allegations of inappropriate behavior will likely continue to dominate headlines in the coming days and weeks. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressures and scrutiny faced by professional athletes, and the importance of upholding ethical standards both on and off the field.
The club has apologized repeatedly for the controversy, stating, “The club feels the current situation seriously. We will sternly deal with any additional confirmation through a full investigation. We also warned the entire team. We apologize again for causing a stir.”
