Lotte gambling scandal rocked Taiwan → Local media is also paying keen attention to the news of "severe suspension of business travel."

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants, who were sweating in Taiwan's spring camp ahead of the opening of the 2026 season, is drawing great attention due to the unprecedented "gambling scandal." Taiwan's local media, where the "illegal gambling entrance" incident occurred, are showing great interest by breaking news of KBO's (Korea Baseball Organization) disciplinary action on the incident in real-time.

KBO held a reward and punishment committee in the KBO Conference Room in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 23rd. As a result of the reward and punishment committee for four Lotte players, Ko Seung-min, Kim Se-min, and Na Seung-yeop, Kim Dong-hyuk, who was confirmed to have visited the site three times since last year, was suspended for 50 games. Three people, Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yup and Kim Se-min, who were confirmed to visit in the first inning, were suspended for 30 games, respectively, according to the announcement.

The beginning of the incident began on the 12th when four players from Lotte, Na Seung-yeop and Ko Seung-min, as well as Kim Dong-hyuk and Kim Se-min, visited a gambling arcade near Tainan's accommodation. As CCTV footage showing them enjoying electronic betting games spread through Taiwanese social media, major Taiwanese media rushed to report it.

Multiple media outlets, including Taiwan's ET Today and SETN, reported extensively that "Korean popular club Lotte Giants players entered the game room with illegal elements in Taiwan." In particular, local media showed deep interest in receiving high-priced prizes and breaking news in real-time about the level of disciplinary action by KBO. Taiwan is very popular in professional baseball and has a deep understanding of the Korean league, so the incident has become a big controversy among local baseball fans.

Media interest continued even after KBO's disciplinary announcement on the 23rd. The media in question drew headlines all at once, saying, "KBO has confirmed a maximum of 50 games suspension for Taiwan's electronic entertainment room players."

Local media paid particular attention to the level of disciplinary action. The China Times said, "The Korean baseball community is taking this situation very seriously," and analyzed in detail, "Strong punishment was imposed on players who were recognized as habitual, not just one-time visits." "Na Seung-yeop and Ko Seung-min are in charge of key power at Lotte, so it seems that the power will be affected," he added.

Lotte's plan for additional disciplinary action was also reported. The club said, "The club will immediately implement the results of the reward and punishment committee and conduct internal discussions based on the contents," adding, "We sincerely apologize once again for causing concern to the fans over the unfortunate incident." We will do our best to prepare for the rest of the camp so that we can restore trust with the fans," he stressed.

Regarding this, the China Times said, "Lotte has apologized once again. "We are considering stronger additional disciplinary measures to appease fans' disappointment and boost team morale," he said.

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*This content was translated by AI.