Gambling Den Visit During Taiwan Spring Training Revealed
The Lotte Giants organization is facing a serious crisis ahead of the 2026 season. It has been revealed that four players—Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min—visited a gambling establishment during spring training held in Taiwan. What makes this particularly shocking is that the incident occurred the very day after Lotte invited a Lotte Hotel chef to provide special meals for the spring training participants. This makes the situation even more serious as it directly contradicts the organization's care and efforts.
The incident first became public through social media. CCTV footage capturing the players entering the gambling establishment was released, causing the controversy to spread rapidly. After confirming the facts through player interviews, the Lotte organization issued an official statement on the 13th. The club stated, "We confirmed that Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min visited a location classified as illegal in that country," and immediately sent these four players back home.
Club's Strict Measures and KBO Report
Lotte's response did not stop at sending the players home; the organization announced even stricter measures. A club representative stated, "We will immediately report to the KBO Clean Baseball Center and take corresponding measures based on the results." This reflects the club's intention to report the incident to the KBO League's internal monitoring body.
Furthermore, Lotte emphasized that it takes the incident seriously and plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation to prevent further problems. A club representative added, "The organization views the current situation gravely, and we will handle any additional issues identified through a comprehensive investigation with utmost severity. We apologize once again for causing this controversy." This goes beyond a mere formal apology and represents a commitment to conduct substantive investigations and take appropriate action.
Kim Dong-hyuk: From Team Captain to Object of Criticism
Kim Dong-hyuk, at the center of the incident, was one of Lotte's promising players. He began his professional career after being selected 64th overall in the 2nd round, 7th pick of the 2022 rookie draft. In last season, he recorded 20 hits and 13 stolen bases in 93 games played, with a batting average of .225 and an OPS of .665, fulfilling his backup role reliably. He particularly earned praise from fans for his defensive efforts and willingness to put his body on the line.
What is particularly noteworthy is that Kim Dong-hyuk served as team captain during the closing camp held in Miyazaki last year. He was appointed captain after earning recognition for his serious approach to training and exemplary conduct. The shock and sense of betrayal felt by Lotte fans upon learning that a player who had earned such trust was involved in overseas gambling was immense.
iPhone Prize Verification Photo from Gambling Den Amplifies Habitual Gambling Suspicions
Days after the incident became public, the situation has worsened further. Recently, through social media, a photo was released showing Kim Dong-hyuk posting a verification shot of an iPhone he received as a prize from a Taiwan gambling establishment. This suggests the possibility that it was not merely a one-time visit.
What is even more problematic is that evidence is emerging that Kim Dong-hyuk also visited a gambling establishment during last year's minor league spring training, not just this current one. Photos taken with a fan from that time have been released, raising suspicions of habitual overseas gambling. This can be interpreted as showing a repeated behavioral pattern that goes beyond a simple mistake.
KBO Discipline and Club Self-Discipline Proceeding Simultaneously
Now the Lotte organization is considering both discipline from the KBO League and separate club self-discipline. Generally, the KBO does not recommend double discipline, but this is merely a recommendation without formal regulation. Therefore, Lotte is in a legal position to enforce its own club discipline.
The Lotte club's stance is clear. As it prepares for the 2026 season, it plans to impose strict discipline on players who caused controversy through 'illegal overseas gambling'. This appears to be a measure to maintain organizational discipline and restore fan confidence. Attention is now focused on what level of discipline the KBO and Lotte organization will ultimately decide.
This content is general information compiled based on publicly available materials. Please confirm accurate details through official announcements from relevant organizations.
