Choi Won-jun, involved in the "bat-smashing controversy," bowed his head: "A clear mistake due to a lack of emotional control → I sincerely apologize"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Choi Won-jun (29), an outfielder for KT Wiz, who sparked controversy with rough behavior by throwing his bat onto the ground during a game, issued a formal apology.

Late at night on the 11th, Choi posted an apology statement on his personal social media account, bowing his head and saying, "I sincerely apologize to baseball fans who may have felt discomfort or disappointment due to my inappropriate actions."

The incident occurred during a regular-season away game against Samsung Lions held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 11th. Choi, who started as the leadoff hitter and right fielder, came to bat as the first batter in the top of the third inning and drew a walk after a six-pitch full-count duel against Samsung starter Ariel Hurdado.

However, immediately after reaching base on the walk, Choi, unable to suppress his anger, forcefully threw his bat onto the ground. As he headed toward first base, broadcast footage captured him talking to Samsung first baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk while appearing to express dissatisfaction toward opposing pitcher Hurdado.

It is interpreted that behind Choi's intense reaction was a fierce competition for the single-season most hits record with Lotte Giants foreign hitter Victor Reyes. Reyes, who had recorded consecutive hits in his last seven games and was on a strong upward trend, hit his 205th hit of the season in the game against LG Twins at Sajik on the 10th.

With this, Reyes reclaimed the position of holder of the single-season most hits record, surpassing Choi, who had reached the milestone of 204 hits earlier on the 7th. Reyes added two more hits in the game against Gwangju KIA on the 11th, bringing his total to 207 hits. In a razor-thin race that is changing the history of the KBO League, Choi, who desperately needed hits, momentarily lost his composure and could not control his emotions over the opposing pitcher's baiting pitches and his walk.

However, on the field where team victory and sportsmanship should take priority, the attitude of expressing emotions by fixating on personal records poured cold water on the team atmosphere. After the end of KT's offensive turn in the top of the third inning, broadcast footage captured KT captain Jang Sung-woo gathering the players together to strongly reprimand them. He delivered a strong message, saying, "Did you come out just to fill up your own stats?" and "Behave properly." Although it was not said with only one person in mind, the target of the message seemed clear. In the latter half of the game, footage also captured Choi wiping away tears while talking to Jang.

On that day, Choi drew a walk in the fourth inning, grounded out to first base in the fifth, reached on an opposing error in the sixth, and hit a line single to right field (his 205th hit) in the ninth, narrowing the gap with Reyes (207 hits) to two. However, he could not escape criticism due to his excessive outburst.

As the controversy spread, Choi quickly expressed his intent to apologize and moved to resolve the situation. Through his wife's account, Choi stated, "It was an action that cannot be justified for any reason, and it was my clear mistake for failing to control my emotions," adding, "I visited those who were directly affected by my actions and conveyed my apologies. I take this opportunity to sincerely apologize once again."

He continued, "I am deeply reflecting on this incident, and from now on, I will be more careful with my actions and will not repeat the same mistake," vowing, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was disappointed by my rash behavior. I will not forget this incident and will become a more mature and upright player in the future."

Meanwhile, the apology statement was delivered through Choi's wife's social media account. Choi's wife stated, "My husband's Instagram account was suspended on the afternoon of the 11th, and despite trying every possible method, he says he cannot log in," adding, "I wanted to post the apology statement myself, but since there is a possibility that the account may not be recovered, I am sharing it on my account at my husband's request," before posting Choi's statement.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original