The Lotte Giants have denied allegations that one of their players sexually harassed a female employee at a gaming establishment during the team's spring training camp in Taiwan, amid controversy over players visiting illegal gaming venues.
According to Newsis on the 18th, a Taiwanese individual identified as "A," believed to be connected to the alleged victim, posted on social media on the 14th: "Lotte Giants baseball players came to Taiwan for spring training. But why are they extending 'pig hands' to service staff?"
"Pig hands" is a Taiwanese expression referring to inappropriate touching of another person's body. "A" added: "Baseball players who can't control their hands show there are problems with the club's player management. I already know who this person is." The post identified the player by the name Ko Seung-min in Korean, Chinese characters, and English.
While Lotte acknowledged that players visited illegal establishments, the club denied the sexual harassment allegation. The player in question reportedly claimed the gesture was merely an attempt to call a staff member, not intentional physical contact. Local investigators also found the harassment allegation to be unsubstantiated. Taiwanese media outlet ET Today reported that the alleged victim denied experiencing sexual harassment during police questioning and clearly stated she had no intention to file charges.
Lotte previously confirmed that four players—Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyuk, and Kim Se-min—visited establishments classified as illegal in Taiwan. The club stated this was "a violation of KBO and club regulations regardless of the reason," adding that the players were immediately sent back to Korea and reported to the KBO Clean Baseball Center. They will be excluded from training until further disciplinary measures are determined.
Under Article 151 of KBO regulations, registered players who engage in gambling, including illegal online gambling, may face suspension from activities for at least one month, a ban from at least 30 games, or fines of 3 million won or more.