Lee Yong-chan remains in first team after ‘WBC drinking ban’ interview–Chung Chul-won also retained, only Kim Kwang-hyun excluded

Lee Yong-chan (34- NC Dinos), who was caught up in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) drinking scandal, will remain on the first team roster for now.

“I was worried about his ability to go up to the mound and throw the ball normally, so I talked to him once,” NC manager Kang Myung-hyun told reporters at Changwon NC Park on Monday. “He said, ‘It would be better if I went up to the mound and showed my form,’ so I didn’t adjust the roster for now. I’m going to wait and see.” Later in the day, Yong-chan officially apologised for his WBC drinking scandal. He admitted to leaving his hostel after the first round of the WBC against Japan (10 March) and drinking privately, saying, “I had dinner at a Korean restaurant in Tokyo with an acquaintance, then went to a nearby bar and stayed for about two hours before returning to my hostel. I am deeply remorseful for drinking alcohol during an international tournament, regardless of the reason,” he said.먹튀검증

The allegations were first raised by a YouTuber on the 30th of last month. In addition to Lee Yong-chan, Kim Kwang-hyun (SSG Landers) and Chung Chul-won (Doosan Bears) were also named in the controversy. On the 31st, the KBO asked the three teams (NC, SSG, and Doosan) to submit a statement of explanation and nine teams, including the three, to submit a statement of facts. All but the Hanwha Eagles, who did not send a representative to the WBC. The KBO, which is looking into the matter, had earlier announced that “Discipline under Article 13 of the National Team Operating Regulations. 3. states that a disciplinary committee will be held for those who have caused ‘social disorder,'” leaving the possibility of discipline open. However, unlike the initial allegations that the players entered a brothel and drank alcohol with female hostesses, the players explained that they drank for a short period of time in a ‘healthy’ manner.

Doosan’s Chung Chul-won remains on the first team roster. “I’m sorry to disappoint the baseball fans,” Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop said on the 1st, “I haven’t talked to the player yet. I understand that the KBO is investigating. We will have to decide (whether to keep him on the first team) depending on the investigation. I have to be diligent in the KBO investigation.” At the press conference, Chung said, “On 10 March, during the WBC, we had a drink after the Japan game. “I sincerely apologise for my shameful behaviour at a time when many people were disappointed with the national team’s poor performance. It was an inexcusable and frivolous behaviour. I am truly ashamed of myself,” he said. Jung Chul Won was confirmed to have had a drink with Kim Kwang Hyun, a senior at Ansan Technical College. He said, “There was never a girl (at the bar). Only the server and the owner were women,” he said, adding, “It was a meal. We ate kimbap, sujebi, tteokbokki, and more.”

Of the suspects, only Kim Kwang-hyun was dropped from the first team roster after his apology press conference on the 1st. Kim Kwang-hyun’s case is more serious as he was confirmed to have had one more drinking session besides the one with junior Chung Chul-won. SSG coach Kim Won-hyung said, “The player needs time for reflection, so we excluded him from the roster.” Kim was scheduled to start against the Incheon Samsung Lions on the first day of the rotation. However, as allegations of a drinking scandal surfaced, the starting pitcher was changed to Baek Seung-gun and his name was removed from the roster. The timing of their return is a question mark. For now, all three players have stated that they will “faithfully respond to the procedures conducted by the KBO in the future and humbly accept the outcome.”