Lee Yong-kyu, 41, a playing coach for the professional baseball club Kiwoom Heroes, will retire in disgrace after becoming embroiled in controversy over a drunk-driving traffic accident.
In an official apology issued Wednesday, Kiwoom said, "Playing coach Lee Yong-kyu caused a drunk-driving accident while returning home to his residence in Guri, Gyeonggi Province, after a drinking session with an acquaintance." The club added, "Lee acknowledged his wrongdoing without any excuse, expressed deep remorse, and stated his intention to end his professional career while taking full responsibility. The club accepted this."
The club also said, "He conveyed his position that he will faithfully cooperate with the investigation by relevant authorities," adding, "He expressed his apology to the accident victims and his intention to fulfill all responsibilities for the recovery of damages."
Kiwoom further stated, "We sincerely apologize to our fans and league officials for failing to prevent a drunk-driving accident by a member of our organization in advance."
According to police, the accident occurred at around 6:25 a.m. on a six-lane road in Acheon-dong, Guri, Gyeonggi Province, when a car driven by coach Lee collided with a vehicle making a U-turn.
Lee was found to have driven straight through a red light while intoxicated, colliding with an oncoming car that was making a U-turn on a normal signal, according to the investigation. The impact pushed his vehicle toward the roadside, where it struck the rear of a police patrol car parked on the shoulder before coming to a stop.
In the accident, a male driver in his 60s in the U-turning car and one police officer inside the patrol car each suffered minor injuries and received treatment at a nearby medical facility.
In a breathalyzer test conducted at the scene immediately after the accident, Lee's blood alcohol concentration was reported to exceed the threshold for license revocation. Police have booked Lee on charges including drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act and are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.
Born in 1985, Lee debuted with the LG Twins in 2004, played for the KIA Tigers and Hanwha Eagles, and joined Kiwoom in 2021. He had served as a playing coach, working as both a player and a coach, since April 2025.
