Four Lotte Giants players find themselves under investigation after engaging in illegal gambling on their own team and seeking illicit services during spring training in Taiwan.
Details of the Misconduct
The players—Na Sung-yeop, Ko Sung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min—participated in unauthorized betting during the camp. Surveillance footage from the Lotte Hotel spa captures them at the front desk, where Ko Sung-min touched a young night-shift employee’s backside, indicating intent for sexual favors.
Team management identified the violations through CCTV shared online within the community. On the 13th, officials expelled the players involved in gambling and detained them for further review.
Timeline of Events
The squad arrived in Taiwan on the 9th and checked into accommodations on the 10th. The next day, staff coordinated with five-star hotel spa managers to provide standard services like beach massages and beverages. However, the four players exploited these arrangements maliciously on the 11th.
Suspicions of gambling prompted their return on the 12th, a scheduled rest day. Investigations confirm two gambling-related incidents that morning. Early on the 13th, before a team snowboarding outing at the Milano Cortina resort, officials caught the players using cocaine.
Team and League Response
Lotte management released a statement expressing profound disappointment: “We deeply regret this breach tied to player welfare and family involvement. Despite prior warnings, these individuals analyzed games and bet illegally from national team facilities.”
Officials added: “We directly detained the four players mid-act and notified KBO executives. Compliance teams plan interviews, with results guiding disciplinary actions.”
The statement continued: “The organization prioritizes image protection and responds sternly to such divisions. All staff were informed, and we plan renewed training.”
Director Kim emphasized: “Management responded robustly to the sexual intent issue. No victim harm occurred, and no formal complaints surfaced.”
KBO Disciplinary Outlook
The Korea Baseball Organization views illegal betting—such as unauthorized internet wagers—as a major violation under Rule 151. Penalties include a 30-game suspension, expulsion from 30 upcoming matches, and a 3 million won fine.
Spring training lapses like this rarely escalate to major headlines for other clubs, underscoring Lotte’s proactive stance. Management hired spa services from five-star hotels to boost player recovery amid intense schedules, yet the players abused the opportunity.
Director of operations noted the snow resort breach: “From a major baseball powerhouse, these players’ reckless behavior demands accountability—no exceptions.”
