Koo Ja-wook actively clarifies controversy over 'SNS firestorm' targeting Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin: "He's a very close older brother, so I just answered his question → We'll stand right next to each other."

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions' Koo Ja-wook (33) put an end to the sudden 'targeting (?) controversy' that erupted with Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (36), who had heated up online ahead of the All-Star Game. According to his explanation, it was a mishap stemming from their close personal relationship.

On the 11th, ahead of the 2026 KBO All-Star Game held at Seoul Jamsil Stadium, Koo Ja-wook met with reporters after completing a fan signing event and actively clarified some interview content that had recently caused significant misunderstanding on social media.

The controversy began with Koo Ja-wook's firm statement regarding the direction of the All-Star Game. Regarding this, Koo said on the day, "I wanted to try hard at the All-Star Game too. (Personally) since the flow was interrupted, I couldn't concentrate well," but also confessed, "It was just my own thought. Of course, there are performances that fans like, but from another perspective, there must be fans who want players to play hard. My thought has always been that since we've done so many performances, wouldn't it be fun to have a game where they just play hard?"

However, during the interview process, the host brought up Jung Soobin as a specific example and asked, "What about the players who prepared diligently?" Koo's passing response that "players who prepared should just do what they do" became the root of the issue. With the context omitted, the remark spread through online communities and SNS on LINE, leading to misunderstandings that he had targeted his fellow player.

Aware that LINE was heating up, Koo Ja-wook stated upon meeting reporters that he had already cleared up the misunderstanding with Jung Soobin. Koo emphasized, "Soobin hyung just met me and we talked about it. We are very close personally," and added, "But since the question itself asked how Jung Soobin player would be, I just answered like that. If you were still upset by that, I sincerely apologize."

Having cleared up the misunderstanding, Koo Ja-wook shifted the atmosphere with his characteristic cheerfulness. He reiterated, "I met with Soobin hyung and we talked well," and said, "Today, Soobin hyung should stand right next to me," while showing a bright smile.

This All-Star Game holds special meaning for Koo Ja-wook. It is the last All-Star Game to be held at Jamsil Stadium, which will soon disappear into history. Koo recalled, "Since I was young, whenever I thought of Jamsil Baseball Stadium, it always felt like the biggest one. So as I grew up, I had a thought that I wanted to hit over Jamsil once," and added, "It is the largest baseball stadium in Korea. As a professional player, I have hit over the left, center, and right fields, so I feel good."

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*This content was translated by AI.