Lotte Giants legend and commentator Jo Seong-hwan has openly criticised the illegal gambling scandal involving several younger players, calling the situation “inexcusable.” He also expressed shock at the breach of team and league rules, as reported by ChosunBiz.
The remarks came during the team’s official live broadcast of a spring camp practice game against the Seibu Lions in Miyazaki, Japan. GiantsTV caster Kim Won-seok opened the stream by bowing his head and offering a public apology to fans, acknowledging the grief caused by the revelations.
He urged supporters to continue backing the team, noting that senior players such as Jeon Jun-woo, Kim Min-sung and Kim Won-jung were working to stabilise the camp.
Jo, who played 1,032 games for Lotte during his career, echoed the disappointment. “When I heard the news I was so shocked I didn’t know what to say,” he said. “There is no excuse. It is certainly true that a grave wrongdoing was committed.” He added that Jeon Jun-woo told him the team intends to focus on rebuilding morale and preparing for the season with renewed determination.
The scandal surfaced when CCTV footage circulated online showing Lotte players in Taiwan allegedly engaging in illegal gambling at a PC gaming room during spring camp. The club immediately launched an internal investigation, which confirmed the allegations.
That evening, the Giants announced that players Na Seung-yeop, Go Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyeok and Kim Se-min had indeed visited a venue classified as illegal under Taiwanese law. The club said all four were being sent home immediately and that the matter had been reported to the KBO Clean Baseball Center.
The players returned to Korea later and are currently under house restriction while reflecting on their actions. The Korea Baseball Organisation is expected to convene a disciplinary committee next week to determine appropriate sanctions.
The players returned to Korea and are currently under house restriction while awaiting sanctions
