Four Lotte Giants players visited illegal gambling venue in Taiwan: "They will be sent home immediately and we will respond sternly"

[Financial News] Four players from the Lotte Giants, who are holding their first 2026 spring training camp in Tainan, Taiwan, have been found to have visited an illegal gambling venue there.
On the 13th, the Lotte Giants organization said, "After interviewing the players and checking the facts, we confirmed that Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min visited a place in Taiwan that is classified as illegal," adding, "Regardless of the reason, we will immediately order the four players, who engaged in conduct that violates Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) rules and our club regulations, to return home."
Earlier the same day, a CCTV video spread across online communities and social media (SNS), showing Lotte Giants players Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min entering what appeared to be a gaming venue in Taiwan and seemingly playing games in front of PC monitors.
As the footage circulated, some raised suspicions that the players might have engaged in gambling on the road during the training period.
In response, the Lotte Giants organization stated, "The players visited the venue on their day off, not knowing it was an illegally operated gaming establishment," and added, "They recognize that going there was wrong and are deeply reflecting on their actions."
The club continued, "We have reported the matter to the KBO Clean Baseball Center, and depending on the outcome, the club will also impose corresponding disciplinary measures," adding, "We regard the current situation as very serious, and through a full review we will respond strictly to any additional issues that come to light."
The organization also said, "We have issued a warning to the entire team," and bowed in apology, saying, "We apologize for causing public concern."
In addition, a scene in which one player appears to reach his hand toward a female employee was captured on CCTV, prompting allegations of sexual harassment.
Regarding this, the Lotte Giants organization said, "That is completely untrue," and denied the allegation, explaining, "It seems a misunderstanding arose because of the position of the player's hand."
The club added, "The employee was standing in front of the player, beyond the reach of his hand, and there was no physical contact," noting, "The player feels very wronged by the allegation."
Among the players caught visiting the gambling venue, Na Seung-yeop and Ko Seung-min are starting infielders for Lotte.
newssu@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Su-yeon Reporter