Prosecutors Raid Former KIA Director Jang Jeong-seok Over Alleged Bribery Demands to Players (Comprehensive)

On the 30th, the prosecution launched a forced investigation into Jang Jeong-seok, former general manager of the KIA Tigers professional baseball team, who is suspected of demanding bribes during negotiations with players.

Jang Jeong-seok, former general manager of the KIA Tigers. Photo by Yonhap News

The Major Crimes Investigation Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Il-gyu) sent prosecutors and investigators to conduct searches and seizures at two to three locations, including Jang's residence, on the morning of the same day on charges of breach of trust and embezzlement.

The prosecution plans to summon Jang as a suspect once the analysis of the seized items is complete to verify the circumstances under which the bribe demands were made and whether any actual exchange of money or valuables took place.

Jang is suspected of demanding money twice last year during negotiations with catcher Park Dong-won (currently with the LG Twins). Subsequently, Park reported Jang's demand for bribes to the Korea Professional Baseball Players Association, and when the KIA team, upon learning of this, requested an explanation, Jang reportedly claimed it was a joking remark.

Thereafter, the KIA team stated, "We cannot tolerate improper conduct such as demanding money during negotiations with our players," and held a disciplinary committee that dismissed Jang in March. The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) requested the prosecution to investigate Jang in April.

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