Highlights from the Group B Baseball Game 1 of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) between South Korea and Japan at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on March 10. South Korea suffers a significant defeat against Japan. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 1 (Korea Bizwire) —Following a disappointing early elimination from the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), it has now been confirmed that some members of the South Korean national baseball team were indeed under the influence of alcohol, as previously speculated.
Among the players involved were starting pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun, as well as key pitchers Lee Yong-chan and Chung Chul-won, who had traveled to Japan for the WBC. Their identities were virtually exposed on the internet, and on Thursday, they publicly apologized for their actions.
It was discovered that the players had been drinking for an extended period at a local establishment commonly referred to as a “snack bar” on March 8, during the WBC. Certain media outlets strongly suspected that they had visited the bar before their matches against Australia on March 9 and Japan on March 10.
If it is proven that the players did indeed visit the same bar the day before the Japan game, the criticism directed towards them is likely to intensify, particularly considering that the Korean team suffered a 4-13 defeat in that match.
Of particular interest was whether or not the bar they visited employed female staff members. The players denied these claims, stating that there were no female employees present. However, some individuals familiar with the local situation in Japan expressed deep disappointment, asserting that female hostesses were typically expected at such establishments.
Kim Kwang-hyun, player for SSG Landers, offers apology for WBC drinking controversy during press conference at SSG Landers Field in Incheon. (Image courtesy of SSG Landers)
The majority of baseball fans are outraged by this incident. Given that the players consumed alcohol until dawn, not during an ordinary baseball season but rather in a national championship game while representing the Korean flag, it is likely that their performance suffered as a result. Some have even questioned whether the players’ unhealthy mental state was influenced by the fact that most of them had already been exempted from mandatory military service.
In response to these events, Kim Kwang-hyun held a press conference at his club, Incheon SSG Landers Field, expressing deep remorse. However, he clarified that he did not visit a bar before the game against Japan, contrary to media reports. He stated, “The only time I visited a bar (despite what the media has stated) was immediately after the Japan game. The following day was a rest day, so I went with an acquaintance. It was there that I ran into Kim Kwang-hyun and Chung Chul-won.”
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) is currently contemplating the formation of a disciplinary committee to address the matter. The committee will review the national team’s regulations and determine whether any sanctions are warranted. Meanwhile, on the same day, SSG removed Kim Kwang-hyun from their first-team roster. As for Lee Yong-chan and Chung Chul-won, who are members of other teams, they will continue to accompany the first team for the time being.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
