Confessing to 'end' drug administration in the 'Japanese edition of the Oh Jae-won incident' → Angry fans, "What are you doing without cutting it?"

*This content was translated by AI.

Ryutaro Hatsuki (26) of Hiroshima Toyokaf, who stubbornly denied the drug charges, finally confessed, saying, "I don't remember using it." The "drug scandal" that shook the Japanese archipelago has taken a new turn, leading to the admission of charges on clear evidence.

According to a report by Japan's Sponichi Annex on the 8th, Hatsuki recently made a statement acknowledging the use of "Etomidate" so-called "zombie cigarettes," which have been designated as prohibited drugs. Kiyoaki Suzuki (71), head of the Hiroshima team, is also said to have been informed.

Since his arrest on January 27, Hazuki has consistently denied the allegations, saying, "I don't remember bitter," but he seems to have finally lowered his tail after evidence came out during the investigation, including a positive urine test.

Hatsuki is accused of administering "zombie cigarettes" containing "Etomidate," which was designated as a banned drug in Japan, around December 16 last year. Etomidate is used overseas as a general anesthetic inducer, but in Japan, it is managed as a 'prohibited drug' due to concerns over misuse and is strictly prohibited from possession or use. In Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) designated "Etomidate" as a drug in August last year, strengthening its management.

In particular, etomidate is a dangerous drug nicknamed "zombie cigarette" because it shows symptoms of walking like zombies due to physical cramps when administered. Recently, it has rapidly spread among young people in Japan and has emerged as a social problem.

However, the Hiroshima team's response is somewhat cautious. Suzuki said, "I learned from the report that the confession was made. We have no choice but to watch the investigation in the future, and we will respond if there is further movement." Discussions also began with the Japanese Professional Baseball Players Association, but declined to give a definite answer on the specific disciplinary action or release.

Hiroshima fans exploded at the club's lukewarm attitude. As news of Hazuki's admission of the charges spread, the portal site Baseball Japan and SNS are infested with criticism. Fans demanded strong punishment, saying, "Why don't you cut it right away when you have confession?" "The club should show a clear attitude," "If you don't punish yourself, your image will only be tarnished," and "If you continue to deny it and admit it, you should even be punished." However, it is interpreted that the club is considering legal procedures. However, the Hiroshima team, which is holding a spring camp in Miyazaki, continues to be confused by reports of "zombie cigarettes."

The incident in the Japanese Professional Baseball (NPB) resembles the drug scandal of Oh Jae-won (41), who shook the Korean baseball community in 2024. Critics point out that the player's moral hazard is the "Japanese version of the Oh Jae-won incident" in that it tarnished the image of the entire team and shook the season's plans. There are even reports of additional involvement of professional baseball players.

Most seriously, the incident went beyond simple individual choices and clearly revealed "insensitivity" in Japanese professional baseball. As the possibility has already been raised that it is secretly spread among the players, there are voices that a full investigation is needed across the league. A sense of crisis that a second or third Hazuki could come out is hitting the Japanese baseball world.

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*This content was translated by AI.