'Insult Scandal': Why Was Won Tae-in Angry? → Kang Min-ho: "There is not a single ill-mannered junior in Samsung Lions"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kang Min-ho (41), the "veteran catcher" who has shared the battery with Won Tae-in (26), Samsung Lions' "ace," stepped forward to address the controversy surrounding Won's conduct during the game.

On the 19th, via the comment section of Samsung's official SNS, Kang Min-ho stated, "It seems there is some misunderstanding regarding the current situation, so I am leaving this to clarify. The behavior shown by (Won) Tae-in during today's game occurred while he was venting to (Ryu) Ji-hyeok about not being able to focus well due to the large gestures of LG third-base coach Jeong Su-seong." He further emphasized, "There is not a single ill-mannered junior in our Samsung Lions. As a senior member of the team, I wanted to speak clearly to prevent any further misunderstanding."

The incident Kang Min-ho referred to originated during the Samsung vs. LG Twins game held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 19th. As Samsung allowed consecutive sacrifice hits in the bottom of the 4th inning, a scene appeared on the broadcast screen showing Won Tae-in, who was on the mound, seemingly expressing strong dissatisfaction toward second baseman Ryu Ji-hyeok.

The situation was quite tense. With the score tied 0-0 in the bottom of the 4th inning, one out, and runners on first and third, consecutive sacrifice hits by Oh Ji-hwan, Cheon Sung-ho, and Park Dong-won quickly turned the score to 3-0. Following this, in a situation with one out and runners on second and third, an additional run was allowed on Lee Young-bin's infield ground ball, leading to a scene where Won Tae-in appeared to be shouting and using profanity out of anger. Ultimately, in his second appearance of the season, Won Tae-in left the mound after pitching 4 2/3 innings, allowing 5 hits and 4 runs without completing the 5th inning. Speculation and debate among fans regarding this scene continued. As the controversy grew, the team's veteran, Kang Min-ho, stepped forward to provide clarification.

According to StarNews, Won Tae-in's anger was not directed at Ryu Ji-hyeok. As Kang Min-ho explained, it was intended as self-blame for his own heightened sensitivity after allowing runs. Shortly after the game on the 19th concluded, LG captain Park Hae-min (36) reportedly called Won Tae-in directly to inquire about what part of the situation was problematic. It is interpreted that the conversation was held with the intention of resolving any misunderstanding. Park Hae-min, after hearing Won Tae-in's explanation, is reported to have said, "I understand your position well. Let's go inside and talk about it."

Meanwhile, Won Tae-in is scheduled to appear before the media on the 21st ahead of the home game against SSG Landers to directly state his official position regarding this controversy.

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*This content was translated by AI.