Four Lotte Giants players have sparked outrage among fans by missing spring training camp in Arizona for a promotional event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Supporters gathered at Lotte World Tower on February 15, climbing entrance banners and distributing leaflets to condemn the absences.
Fan Backlash Escalates
Demonstrators performed team cheers in public spaces but infused them with sharp criticism, shouting pointed messages about the players’ priorities. Some fans directly confronted headquarters staff, conveying frustration over the incident. Online reactions amplified the discontent, with netizens decrying the decision as irresponsible and questioning the team’s commitment.
Club Issues Statement on Absences
The Lotte Giants organization released an official statement on February 13, confirming that players Na Seong-yeop, Go Seong-min, Kim Dong-hyeok, and Kim Se-min are absent due to unavoidable government-related circumstances. “We apologize to the long-suffering fans,” the statement read. “We will not disclose details publicly but plan to inform the KBO and implement appropriate restrictions on the players’ activities.”
Officials emphasized direct reporting to KBO compliance officers and promised measures for both the team and broader group interests. The club denied rumors of a fashion show involvement, insisting the matter stems from official obligations.
Milan Event Ties to Olympics Promotion
The controversy centers on the players’ participation in a Milano Cortina Olympics event, where they took on roles as ‘Kidari Ajussi’—a stilts-wearing promotional character. This follows a January 13 highlight when a South Korean female snowboarder secured the event’s first gold medal in the halfpipe. Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin has a track record of heavy investment in winter sports, including over 700 million won spent on preparations for the 2024 Swiss World Cup and massive revenue from prior ski and snowboard events since 2014.
The team maintains spring camp operations, with plans to continue at Taiwan’s Asian Games National Athletic Center from late January. Despite the uproar, one player appeared visibly strained during fan interactions at headquarters.
Fan Sentiments Online
Netizens expressed dismay with comments like, “Even animals wouldn’t act this irresponsibly,” “This is why Lotte struggles,” and “Chairman Shin values national pride too little to defend such actions.” Many lamented that only fans bear the disappointment.
