Prosecutors Investigate Former KIA Tigers Director Jang Jeong-seok Over Alleged Bribery in Contract Process

Jang Jeong-seok, former general manager of the KIA Tigers. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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The prosecution has launched an investigation into Jang Jeong-seok, the former general manager (age 50) of the professional baseball team KIA Tigers, who is suspected of demanding money during contract negotiations with affiliated players.

According to the legal community on the 10th, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office assigned the case, which the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) Secretariat requested an investigation into regarding former GM Jang, to the Major Crimes Investigation Division (Chief Prosecutor Jo Gwang-hwan).

Jang is suspected of demanding a "kickback" during negotiations last year with catcher Park Dong-won (currently with the LG Twins).

Jang reportedly explained during the team's fact-finding investigation that the remark was a joke.

However, the KIA team stated, "We cannot tolerate improper conduct such as demanding money during negotiations with affiliated players," and dismissed Jang on the 29th of last month.

KBO requested a prosecution investigation into him on the 5th of this month.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office is also currently investigating allegations of broadcasting rights corruption within the KBO.

Previously, on the 31st of last month, the Criminal Division 3 (Chief Prosecutor Kim Soo-min) of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, suspecting that the sports marketing company Aclla provided tens of millions of won in money to KBO executive Mr. A in exchange for broadcasting rights benefits, conducted a search and seizure of the KBO Secretariat and its marketing subsidiary KBOP.

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