KBO Refers NC Dinos Players to Disciplinary Committee for 'COVID-19 Quarantine Rule Violations'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has referred NC Dinos players who violated COVID-19 quarantine rules and caused social controversy to the disciplinary committee. In particular, the Gangnam District Office in Seoul reportedly requested a police investigation as social controversy continued over the players' violation of quarantine rules.

On the 15th, the KBO announced that it will hold a disciplinary committee meeting on the morning of the 16th regarding the violation of quarantine guidelines. However, in accordance with COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, the disciplinary committee meeting will be held privately.

Earlier, it was reported that four NC Dinos players?Park Seok-min, Lee Myung-ki, Kwon Hee-dong, and Park Min-woo?had a private gathering with two civilians at their away accommodation in Seoul. Among them, except for Park Min-woo who was vaccinated, all others tested positive for COVID-19.

As a large number of COVID-19 confirmed cases and close contacts occurred among NC and Doosan Bears players, the KBO League ended the first half of the regular season a week earlier than scheduled on the 13th.

Park Seok-min stated in an apology, "It is true that a total of six people, including two outsiders (acquaintances) and myself, Kwon Hee-dong, Lee Myung-ki, and Park Min-woo, had a drinking gathering at the away accommodation," adding, "Since the league was halted due to the fault of some players, I will wait for appropriate disciplinary action rather than making excuses."

Park Min-woo also announced his withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics and posted an apology on social media, saying, "I feel ashamed for causing an unprecedented situation of league suspension due to irresponsible behavior ahead of an important event like the Olympics."

Meanwhile, the Gangnam District Office stated, "The initial confusion in quarantine was because the NC players did not disclose their 'private meetings,'" and added, "The NC players obstructed the epidemiological investigation." They have requested a police investigation into a total of five people, including three NC confirmed cases and two civilians.

On the other hand, it is known that the NC players deny allegations of obstructing the initial epidemiological investigation.

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