'Hanyunhee and An Woojin suspended for 36 games, Juhyeonsang and Yundaekyung suspended for 10 games for violating quarantine rules'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Han Hyun-hee and Ahn Woo-jin (Kiwoom Heroes), who violated COVID-19 quarantine rules by holding private gatherings, have been suspended for 36 games, while Joo Hyun-sang and Yoon Dae-kyung (Hanwha Eagles) have been suspended for 10 games.

On the 23rd, the KBO held a disciplinary committee meeting at the Baseball Hall in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to review the quarantine rule violations by the four players and the Kiwoom and Hanwha teams.

The KBO Disciplinary Committee stated, "In a socially very serious situation due to the spread of COVID-19, the players violated the government's ban on private gatherings of five or more people in the metropolitan area and committed acts damaging to dignity by failing to uphold the basic duties expected of professional players," recommending disciplinary action based on Article 151 [Acts Damaging to Dignity] of the KBO regulations.

The KBO explained the basis for the penalty of '36-game suspension and a fine of 5 million KRW' by stating, "Han Hyun-hee and Ahn Woo-jin were judged to bear heavy responsibility as they left their lodging in Suwon for an away game late at night and engaged in prolonged drinking at a hotel in Seoul."

It further explained, "Regarding players Joo Hyun-sang and Yoon Dae-kyung, although they violated the ban on private gatherings of five or more people, they were not aware of the gathering in advance and made efforts to avoid it, so they were given a 10-game suspension and a fine of 2 million KRW."

Based on Article 1 of the Supplementary Provisions [Special Cases Concerning the Authority of the Commissioner], the KBO also imposed fines of 100 million KRW on Kiwoom and 50 million KRW on Hanwha, stating, "Kiwoom and Hanwha downplayed some players' statements during the KBO's full investigation and damaged the league's reputation due to negligent player management."

However, it added, "We took into consideration that each team requested an epidemiological investigation from the quarantine authorities to clarify the facts." All five disciplinary committee members attended the meeting.

Han Hyun-hee, Ahn Woo-jin, Yoon Dae-kyung, and Joo Hyun-sang held a private gathering from 1:30 AM to 1:36 AM on the 5th with one former professional baseball player and two civilians, for which they were fined.

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