"I will live with a heart of lifelong reflection": An Hye-jin, caught drunk driving, posts handwritten apology

*This content was translated by AI.

An Hye-jin (28), a female professional volleyball setter for GS Caltex caught for drunk driving, bowed her head, saying ""I will live with a heart of lifelong reflection"".

On the 17th, An Hye-jin apologized through a handwritten apology posted on her social media (SNS), stating ""I deeply apologize for causing controversy due to drunk driving"" and ""This incident was entirely my fault and a reckless act with no room for any excuse"".

She added ""I sincerely apologize to the fans who have supported me, everyone who loves volleyball, and all club and league officials for causing great disappointment and concern"" and ""Through this incident, I will deeply reflect on myself and live with a heart of lifelong reflection to ensure such mistakes are never repeated"".

News of An Hye-jin's drunk driving arrest was first reported via an apology statement from the GS Caltex club on the same day. According to the club, An Hye-jin voluntarily reported the drunk driving incident to the club first, after which the club notified the Korea Volleyball League (KOVO) and posted an apology statement through its official channel. Specific details at the time were not disclosed as police investigations are ongoing.

The GS Caltex club stated ""We have confirmed the drunk driving incident involving player An Hye-jin and inform the fans with a heavy sense of responsibility"" and ""Drunk driving is an act that cannot be tolerated for any reason. The club expresses deep regret for causing concern due to this matter and sincerely apologizes to the fans and all V-League fans"".

It further added ""We immediately notified the Korea Volleyball League upon confirming the incident and requested cooperation so that procedures according to V-League regulations can proceed"" and ""We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances internally and take corresponding measures. To prevent recurrence, we will review and improve the education and management systems for players and club officials"".

As a result of the drunk driving incident, An Hye-jin faces not only punishment but also disciplinary action by the Korea Volleyball League. According to league regulations, those caught drunk driving can receive penalties ranging from a minimum warning to maximum expulsion, and fines of at least 5 million won may be imposed. The disciplinary committee regarding An Hye-jin is scheduled to meet next week. Additionally, An Hye-jin was recently included in the women's national volleyball team led by head coach Cha Sang-hyun. Under the Korea Volleyball Association regulations, drunk driving results in a minimum suspension from competition of one year or a suspension of eligibility for one to five years, making it likely that she will also be stripped of her national team jersey.

With the drunk driving incident coming to light after An Hye-jin had acquired free agent (FA) status following the season, it is expected to significantly impact her future career moves. It is known that after obtaining FA status, An Hye-jin had already held negotiations not only with her original team, GS Caltex, but also with other clubs. However, clubs are likely to find it burdensome to sign a player with a drunk driving stigma attached.

An Hye-jin, a graduate of Gangneung Girls' High School, is a 10-year professional setter who joined GS Caltex as the 3rd overall pick in the first round of the 2016-2017 draft. This season, she played in 25 regular-season games and 6 post-season games, contributing to the team's championship victory. GS Caltex received applause for rising from the semi-playoffs (PO) to the championship title. However, just two weeks after the championship, the drunk driving scandal involving An Hye-jin cast a cold water on the celebration.

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*This content was translated by AI.