"I know this image won't be forgotten..." Lotte's Kim Dong-hyeok, who has completed his 50-game suspension, bowed his head before fans: "I only think I must play well" [Gwangju on-site interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Dong-hyeok (26), an outfielder for the Lotte Giants who caused controversy through illegal gambling during this year's spring training, bowed his head before fans once again.

In an interview with reporters ahead of the visiting game against the KIA Tigers at the Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 2nd, which is part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season, Kim Dong-hyeok apologized, saying, "Even though there are fans who support me like this, I am so sorry for behaving that way. I will feel the weight of the uniform and strive to act more maturely, and I will do my best to show good performances on the field."

Lotte registered infielder Son Ho-young and outfielder Kim Dong-hyeok on the previous day (the 1st) to replace infielder Noh Jin-hyuk and outfielder Shin Yun-hoo, who were removed from the first division. This marks Kim Dong-hyeok's first registration with the first division this season. In February, during the first spring training camp in Tainan, Taiwan, Kim Dong-hyeok caused controversy by visiting gambling halls that are classified as illegal in Taiwan, along with his teammates Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Se-min.

Among them, unlike the other three players, Kim Dong-hyeok visited the gambling hall three times and received the harshest punishment from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Kim Dong-hyeok received a 50-game suspension, while Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Se-min each received 30-game suspensions. The three players other than Kim Dong-hyeok were registered with the first division for the Suwon KT Wiz game on the 5th of last month and apologized to fans first. Kim Dong-hyeok completed his 50-game suspension as of the 29th of last month, 24 days later.

Kim Dong-hyeok reflected, "I had a lot of time to reflect on myself while being punished. Along with the thought that such things must never happen again, I also pondered how I should spend my time. I felt deeply that the team atmosphere was not good in the early stages."

He added, "I was scolded a lot by my parents. I had many conversations with my family. I was deeply moved by my parents' concern and their wish for me to mature through this incident. I am truly sorry to my family as well."

Those who were punished were not limited to these players. In February, the Lotte organization accepted the KBO's decision and punished the club's representative director, general manager, and front office managers for negligence in player management instead of the players. Kim Dong-hyeok bowed his head, saying, "I heard that club officials were punished because of us, which made my heart even heavier and led to deeper reflection. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize."

Fans offered their support to Kim Dong-hyeok, who returned to the field, hoping he would never repeat the same mistake. Seeing this, Kim Dong-hyeok reflected on himself even more. He completed his preparations for return by playing in Futures League games against the Ulsan Whales on May 30th and 31st.

Kim Dong-hyeok said with emphasis, "That game was also at Sajik Baseball Stadium. I had many thoughts and felt very nervous even before the game started. When I actually played baseball in front of the fans (after a long time), all I could think was that I must play well. Even after joining the team today, my teammates told me I must play well, and I truly feel I just have to play well."

As a promising player who was gradually seizing opportunities four years after his professional debut, fans' disappointment was even greater. Kim Dong-hyeok, who debuted in the first division in 2023, recorded a batting average of 0.207 in 147 games (111 at-bats, 23 hits). Last year, he played the most games with 93 appearances in 114 plate appearances, making valuable contributions primarily as a pinch hitter and pinch runner.

His mindset has now completely changed. Kim Dong-hyeok emphasized, "My physical condition is really good. I trained my body while waiting for the day I would return to the first division, and I want to be a help to the team. Actually, when I was promoted to the first division before, I thought I had to win the competition and become a starter, but this time, all I can think is that I must play well."

He further stated, "I know this image won't be forgotten, but I think I must work hard to be remembered as a good player no matter what. I missed baseball a lot and wanted to play in many games. Through this incident, I felt again that I love baseball, so I think I must act more maturely."

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*This content was translated by AI.