We Are Sorry But We Need a Fundamental Solution

Na Jin-gyun, the secretary-general of the Korea Professional Baseball Players Association (KPBPA), on Friday pointed out, “I don’t think that all of the 110 former or current players whose names are on the brokers’ list were actually involved in those draft dodging scandals.”

Although he said, “Since it is clear that some players’ moral hazard and illegal acts have been uncovered, I don’t have much to say,” he urged, “Players evade military service due to their fears that leaving the diamond might diminish their skills. Thus, presidents of all sports associations have to be hand-in-hand with each other in order to find a fundamental solution to the problem.” He added, “Players whose names are on the list will only be investigated and are not suspects who will be charged or informed of reexamination by the Military Manpower Administration.”

The KPBPA made a public statement about the cases on September 6, saying, “Following the example of this case, we will take a moment and look back on ourselves, and we will put every effort to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.” Meanwhile, the Korea Baseball Organization has not revealed its official response to the matter since its president, Park Yong-oh, is currently on an overseas business trip.

Hwan Soo Zang zangpabo@donga.com