MLB infielder Kang Jung-ho flees DUI accident scene in Seoul

MLB infielder Kang Jung-ho flees DUI accident scene in Seoul. December. 03, 2016 07:06. by Kyu-In Hwang kini@donga.com. Major leaguer Kang Jung-ho (Pittsburg, photo) was indicted without detention by the police on Friday after drinking-and-driving. According to the Seoul Gangnam Police Department, Kang caused a car accident while driving his BMW to the Grand Intercontinental Hotel around 2:48 a.m., after drinking with his acquaintances at a Korean restaurant at Samseong-dong, Seoul. While making a right turn near Samseong Station, he hit the pedestrian fence and immediately left the scene for his hotel.

Kang’s friend A told the police that he drove the car, and police took him to the police station for investigation. However, the black box installed inside the car revealed that the vehicle was driven by Kang, who was later summoned for an hour and a half investigation from 5 a.m. With blood alcohol content high enough for a license suspension at 0.084 percent, Kang admitted to the charges, and returned to his hotel room after the inquiry.

The recent inquiry came as his second investigation this year, as Kang was under inspection by the U.S. Chicago police for sexual assault charges in July. While no final conclusions have been made for the alleged suspicions, it is highly likely that Kang will be acquitted. "The victim was uncooperative to investigations from the beginning, and no evidence to back the victim’s statements could be found," the Chicago Police stated in September. "The victim is now beyond our reach." At the time of the incident, the Pittsburgh Pirates reiterated the fact that Kang would not be faced with any kind of penalty until the investigation results come out.

However, Frank Coonelly, the president of the Pittsburgh Pirates, issued a statement describing the accident as a "very serious charge.” “We are extremely disappointed in Jung Ho and his decision process during this matter, and I am most thankful that, as we understand it, no one was injured,” he added. “We will have further comment once we have been able to gather all the relevant facts and speak with the player,” the club also said. Local media interpreted the statement as an implication that though the Major League Baseball Players Association will not give penalties, Kang may face penalties from the club.

Against this backdrop, a red light was turned on for the World Baseball Classic national team, which has a long way to go. WBC National Team coach Kim In-shik said that all he can do is sigh. The Korean Baseball Organization is also discussing possibilities of a penalty on Kang. However, given the history that St. Louis pitcher Oh Seung-hwan failed to make it to the national team due to his gambling records despite his greatest throws in the Major League this year, Kang who placed his name on the final entry list for WBC National Team will also highly likely to be excluded. When Kang is off the list, the only shortstop listed on the final entry will be Doosan infielder Kim Jae-ho.