[Official] 'Shock' unprecedented abuse controversy → On-site commander speaks directly: "We intended to strengthen mental toughness and deliver a strong message..." Seoul Facilities Corporation's official statement revealed...

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes attempted to conduct a 'special batting' (special batting practice) training session after the game, but the plan was thwarted by Seoul Facilities Corporation, the entity responsible for managing the 'home stadium' Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, which forcibly turned off the lights, sparking an abuse controversy. In response, the on-site commander could not hide his bewilderment and regret.

Kiwoom lost 2-5 to KIA Tigers in their 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season home game held at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 26th. They then suffered a decisive 2-9 defeat in the game on the 27th, falling into a four-game losing streak.

Earlier, on the 26th, Kiwoom's batting lineup struggled, managing no hits against KIA's starting pitcher Kim Tae-hyung until the sixth inning. Ultimately, the fallout from this defeat extended through the 27th.

In fact, the Kiwoom coaching staff planned special batting practice after the 26th game to revitalize the team's slumped morale due to the losing streak. However, the training never even began. The moment the players stepped onto the field with their bats, the stadium's nighttime lights were simultaneously turned off.

Seoul Facilities Corporation, which manages Gocheok Dome, refused additional field use after the game and forcibly implemented a power shutdown.

According to a Kiwoom official, the stadium rental time is until 11 p.m., and there has never been a forced power shutdown before. However, the Corporation stated that the 11th p.m. rule is an explicit regulation, but by convention, the field must be cleared after games end to prepare for the next day's matches.

As a result, the Kiwoom players, unable to conduct special batting practice, moved to an indoor practice facility and barely completed the remaining training.

Seol Jong-jin, the commander on-site, could not hide his regretful feelings. In an interview with reporters ahead of the 27th game against KIA at Gocheok, Manager Seol said, "After that game, the senior coach conveyed his opinion that special batting practice would be beneficial. As the manager, I instructed them to proceed, but the training was delayed for about 20 minutes. So when I came out to the field, I found all the lights were off, which was somewhat surprising to me as well."

Manager Seol continued, "The Corporation requests that we notify them 3-4 days in advance if we want to conduct special batting practice after the game. However, since special batting practice is decided immediately after the game ends, that seems somewhat difficult. We hope the Corporation can understand."

Manager Seol stated frankly, "Of course, the Corporation has its own position, but from our perspective, notifying them the day before is also an awkward situation. Especially in cases like yesterday's game, the opposing pitcher pitched well, but we failed to get hits. Therefore, from the coaching staff's standpoint, we requested this to correct the players and also to strengthen their mental toughness, but since it was not approved, there was a sense of regret."

Has there been such an incident in the past? Manager Seol cutly replied, "No."

He continued, "Technical training is important, but the reason we want to conduct nighttime special batting practice is also to send a message from a mental perspective. In fact, we are in a somewhat difficult period now. Since we were on a winning streak but then fell into a losing streak, there was also a part where we wanted to send a strong message to the players. While morning practice is good, we wanted to convey a message to the players, which is why we sought to conduct special batting practice."

Meanwhile, on the 27th, Seoul Facilities Corporation clarified, "Regarding Kiwoom's request for additional training after games, we have typically approved training upon receiving Kiwoom's prior request at least one day in advance to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the stadium. In the case of the 26th, Kiwoom's request was received on the day itself, so we could not approve nighttime additional training according to regulations." The Corporation then issued an official statement: "Moving forward, we will communicate more closely with Kiwoom, ensure stadium safety, and actively support the use of the stadium so that the players can train smoothly."

The Corporation added, "Additionally, we confirmed that one of our staff members accompanied an acquaintance into the dugout during the training camp for the South Korean national team in November last year. Through an internal investigation, the Corporation verified this fact and issued an identity warning to the relevant staff member in December last year. Furthermore, the relevant department is strengthening management and supervision to prevent similar incidents and is conducting visitor management education. Seoul Facilities Corporation will do its best in the future to ensure that Gocheok Sky Dome is operated as a safe and convenient facility."

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*This content was translated by AI.