* Translated by AI

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'Head bowed' An Hye-jin: "I sincerely apologize for drunk driving"... KOVO finalizes 5 million won fine, "Already effectively out for a year"

Updated:

Park Jaeho

*This content was translated by AI.

An Hye-jin offered an apology after presenting her case at the disciplinary committee held at the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 27th. /Photo=NEWS1
An Hye-jin offered an apology after presenting her case at the disciplinary committee held at the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 27th. /Photo=NEWS1

Disciplinary action against An Hye-jin (28), who caused a scandal due to drunk driving, has been finalized. She received a 5 million won fine from the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO).

On the morning of the 27th, KOVO held a disciplinary committee in the federation's conference room to deliberate on An Hye-jin's violation of the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving).

An Hye-jin was caught driving on the morning of the 16th with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.032% (the level for license suspension). Her team, GS Caltex, announced the incident the following day via the club's official SNS, apologizing to fans and formally requesting disciplinary action from the federation. An Hye-jin also bowed her head in a handwritten apology, stating, "It was a reckless act for which I cannot offer any excuse. I will live with lifelong remorse."

As a result of this incident, An Hye-jin faces an effective one-year hiatus. Although she gained free agent (FA) status after the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season, the revelation of her drunk driving meant she received no contract offers from her original team, GS Caltex, nor from any other clubs. Remaining an unsigned player, her participation in the 2026-2027 season has been completely derailed.

An Hye-jin is seen attending the disciplinary committee at the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 27th to present her case regarding the drunk driving incident. /Photo=NEWS1
An Hye-jin is seen attending the disciplinary committee at the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 27th to present her case regarding the drunk driving incident. /Photo=NEWS1

The federation decided to impose a fine on An Hye-jin after she appeared in person at the disciplinary committee to explain the situation. In an official statement, the committee explained: "Violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving) is a serious anti-social act and warrants severe punishment. However, considering the following factors: ▲the alcohol concentration was relatively low at 0.032% ▲she voluntarily reported the incident to the club and federation immediately after the accident ▲she deeply regrets her mistake and is showing remorse ▲she is effectively suspended for one year due to not securing an FA contract ▲she has been excluded from the national team, the committee determined, based on Article 10, Section 1, Item 1 of the Disciplinary Regulations and Article 11, Section 4 of the Appendix 1 (General) on Disciplinary Actions and Fine Imposition Standards, to impose a 'severe warning and a 5 million won fine' on player An Hye-jin."

According to 'NEWSIS', An Hye-jin entered the conference room where the disciplinary committee was held wearing a black suit, her head bowed with a somber expression. After presenting her case, she stood before the press and said, "I am sorry for causing worry and concern due to my actions. I sincerely apologize to the fans and all relevant parties. I will ensure such an incident never happens again."

Since An Hye-jin has already missed the entire new season and spent time effectively equivalent to a one-year suspension, the federation's additional disciplinary action concluded with a warning and a fine.

GS Caltex setter An Hye-jin (center). /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo
GS Caltex setter An Hye-jin (center). /Photo=Senior reporter Kang Young-jo

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*This content was translated by AI.

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