'Finger Gesture Controversy' Kim Bio "Special Pardon, Return in August"

An 'Incident' Occurred at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Open Last September, Eligible to Compete in the Maekyung Open Starting on the 21st of Next Month

This is a scene of Kim Bio kneeling and apologizing after causing the 'finger gesture scandal' in September last year.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] Kim Bi-o (30, Hoban Construction), who caused a 'middle finger gesture scandal,' will return to the tour next month.

The Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) announced on the 27th, "We have granted a special pardon lifting the suspensions of a total of eight players, including Kim Bi-o," adding, "Those who committed serious violations such as score manipulation or who were expelled are excluded." Accordingly, Kim Bi-o will be able to participate starting from the Maekyung Open held on the 21st of next month. Although he passed the Asian (APGA) Tour Qualifying (Q) School in February, the APGA Tour has been shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kim Bi-o is the player who caused a scandal by raising his middle finger toward the gallery after topping his tee shot on the 16th hole (par 4) during the final day of the Korean Tour Daegu Gyeongbuk Open last September, triggered by the shutter sound of a mobile phone camera. The KPGA Disciplinary Committee immediately imposed a severe penalty of "3 years suspension and a fine of 10 million won," resulting in the dishonor of 'mid-season withdrawal.' He was included in the 2019 Top 7 Controversies in the World of Golf selected by the Golf Channel in the United States.

On October 23rd last year, the KPGA held a board meeting and reduced the suspension to "1 year," imposed a fine of 10 million won, and assigned 120 hours of community service. Following the reduction of the 3-year suspension imposed by the Disciplinary Committee to 1 year three weeks later, the penalty was lifted again after half a year, which is expected to cause controversy. Kim Bi-o is the protagonist who achieved the 'youngest winner' title at the 2010 Johnny Walker Open. He won two titles in 2012 and became the money list leader, and last year he secured his fifth career victory at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Open.

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