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Apologetic Lotte Trio 'Bow Heads': 'Sorry for Causing Trouble... Will Become Good People and Players'

From Hankyoreh · (36m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Three Lotte Giants baseball players, Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Se-min, have returned to the first-team roster after serving suspensions for visiting an adult entertainment establishment during spring training.
  • The players apologized for their actions, expressing remorse and vowing to become better players and individuals.
  • They were reinstated after their 30-game suspensions ended, with Ko Seung-min starting in the game against KT Wiz.

The Lotte Giants baseball team has welcomed back three players – Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Se-min – who were serving suspensions for violating team rules during their spring training in Taiwan. The players were found to have visited an adult entertainment establishment, leading to their suspension from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) under its code of conduct regarding conduct detrimental to the league's image.

I am truly sorry for causing trouble. My mind went blank when trying to think of what to say. I will become a good player and a good person from now on.

— Ko Seung-minAddressing the media before his return to the game.

Upon their return to the first-team roster, the players publicly apologized for their misconduct. Ko Seung-min, who started in the game against the KT Wiz, expressed deep regret, stating, "I am truly sorry for causing trouble. My mind went blank when trying to think of what to say. I will become a good player and a good person from now on." Na Seung-yeop echoed these sentiments, acknowledging his reflection and promising to be a role model, while Kim Se-min vowed to put in extra effort on the field. Their return marks the end of their 30-game suspensions, a significant penalty that kept them away from competitive play.

I have reflected a lot during this time. I have prepared well now that my body is in good shape. I will not cause trouble in the future and will be a role model.

— Na Seung-yeopExpressing remorse and commitment to better behavior.

During their suspension, the players were unable to participate in even the Futures League (minor league) games and had to maintain their conditioning through practice matches with university teams. This period undoubtedly served as a time for introspection and preparation for their comeback. The KBO also handed out a 50-game suspension to outfielder Kim Dong-hyuk for similar offenses. The Lotte Giants organization, while enforcing disciplinary measures, is now looking to move forward with these players back in the fold, hoping they can contribute positively to the team's performance.

I will run one extra step on the baseball field than others. I will become a good player.

— Kim Se-minVowing to work harder after his suspension.

From our perspective at Hankyoreh, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by professional sports teams in maintaining player discipline and upholding their public image. While the players have apologized and are returning after serving their time, the underlying issue of player conduct remains a concern for the league and its fans. The KBO's swift action demonstrates a commitment to enforcing its rules, but the long-term impact of such incidents on team morale and fan trust is something the Lotte Giants will need to carefully manage. The players' promise to become 'good people' and 'good players' will be tested on the field, and their actions moving forward will be crucial in regaining the confidence of the fans.

The best way to express our apologies to the fans is to do our best in the areas we can. I missed the fans' support. I will do my best from now on.

— Ko Seung-minStating how they plan to make amends to the fans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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