TAIPEI – A shadow has fallen over the Lotte Giants’ spring training in Taiwan, as four players – Na Seung-yeop, Ko Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyeok and Kim Se-min – are embroiled in an illegal gambling scandal. The incident, which came to light after videos and images circulated on social media, threatens to derail the players’ careers and has sparked outrage among fans of the South Korean baseball team.
The controversy centers around a visit to an arcade in Tainan, Taiwan, that authorities have determined was operating outside the bounds of Taiwanese law. While the facility held a government license as an electronic arcade, it allegedly offered prizes exceeding the legal limit of 2,000 Taiwanese dollars (approximately 90,000 Korean Won) and facilitated electronic gambling games, including online baccarat. The scandal raises serious questions about discipline within the Lotte Giants organization and the challenges Korean baseball teams face when training abroad.
Details of the Incident
According to reports from ETtoday, a Taiwanese news outlet that first broke the story on February 14, 2026, the arcade in question technically operated legally with a government-issued business license. But, the core issue lies in the value of prizes awarded. Kim Dong-hyeok, in particular, has come under fire after reportedly winning an iPhone 16 as a prize – a device whose value significantly surpasses the legal threshold. “Even if it’s not the latest model, it’s still a high-value item, which is outside the scope of permissible prizes for such establishments,” ETtoday noted.
The incident unfolded after videos and CCTV footage surfaced on social media and baseball forums, depicting the four players inside the arcade. What initially appeared as a harmless leisure activity during a day off quickly escalated into a major scandal as the illegal nature of the facility’s operations became apparent. The Lotte organization has confirmed the players’ visit to the facility, according to a report from Chosun.
Impact and Fallout
The scandal has already resulted in the players being sent home from the team’s spring training camp. The Lotte Giants are now facing intense scrutiny from both the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and the public. Fans have expressed their anger and disappointment, with many calling for severe punishment for the players involved. Chosun reported that the players will be referred to the KBO’s Clean Baseball Center for further investigation.
The timing of the scandal is particularly damaging for the Lotte Giants, as it occurs during manager Lee’s final contract year. The team is under pressure to perform well and contend for a postseason berth, and this controversy threatens to derail their efforts. The incident similarly casts a shadow over the broader challenges faced by KBO clubs when conducting spring training abroad, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and player education regarding local laws and regulations.
Looking Ahead
The KBO is expected to announce disciplinary measures in the coming days, which could include suspensions and fines for the players involved. The Lotte Giants organization is also likely to face internal scrutiny and may implement stricter rules regarding player conduct during spring training. The long-term impact of this scandal on the players’ careers remains to be seen, but their reputations have been severely tarnished. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to the law for professional athletes.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on determining the extent of the players’ involvement and whether any other members of the Lotte Giants organization were aware of the illegal activities. The KBO’s response will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders across Korean baseball, as it sets a precedent for future cases of misconduct. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
