"Drunk Driving" Kang Jung-ho Issues Apology Statement: "I Will Live Repenting for Life"

Kang Jung-ho is leaving the courtroom after the appellate trial verdict held on May 18, 2017, at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Baseball player Kang Jung-ho, who caused controversy due to drunk driving, issued an official apology through his agency on the 25th.

In the apology statement, Kang Jung-ho said, "I will live with regret and a repentant heart until the day I die. I have painfully realized how precious baseball is to me."

He added, "I am only now feeling how precious the life of wearing the uniform and running across the field, which was once an ordinary daily routine, truly is," and appealed, "I know I am not qualified to say this, but I want to play baseball one last time."

He continued, "Even outside the baseball field, I will repay the mistakes I have made and live by serving others more diligently than anyone else," and stated, "I carry a heavy debt in my heart to everyone who was disappointed by my wrongdoing, and I will live as a new person."

Previously, in December 2016, Kang Jung-ho caused a hit-and-run drunk driving accident at the intersection near Samsung Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, hitting a guardrail. At that time, Kang’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.084%, which corresponds to a suspended license due to intoxication.

During the trial, it was revealed that Kang had been caught for drunk driving in 2009 and 2011 as well, leading to his license being revoked under the "three strikes out" system. He was also sentenced to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation.

The full text of Kang Jung-ho’s apology statement is as follows:

Hello, this is baseball player Kang Jung-ho.

First, I sincerely apologize once again for my wrongdoing. I will live with regret and a repentant heart until the day I die. Still, I fully understand that my mistakes cannot be completely erased.

Since the accident in December 2016, I have spent all my time with regret and reflection. I have tried to become a new person. Of course, compared to the disappointment felt by the fans who supported me, my efforts are far from enough, but I have tried to repay my wrongdoings to the world through volunteer work and donations.

During this time, I have painfully realized how precious baseball is to me. I now foolishly feel how precious the life of wearing the uniform and running across the field, which was once an ordinary daily routine, truly is.

I know I am not qualified to say this, but I want to play baseball one last time.

Even outside the baseball field, I will repay the mistakes I have made and live by serving others more diligently than anyone else. I carry a heavy debt in my heart to everyone who was disappointed by my wrongdoing, and I will live as a new person.

Once again, I am truly sorry.

Sincerely, baseball player Kang Jung-ho

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.