"I have never disparaged the region," said Hong Jong-pyo, who pleaded innocence, and KIA believed for now… But why was it now

"I have never disparaged the region," said Hong Jong-pyo, who pleaded innocence, and KIA believed for now… But why was it now

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In September last year, an anonymous posting about Kia Tigers infielder Hong Jong-pyo was posted on an online community. It was related to Hong's personal life. There were several controversial claims among fans.토토사이트

The article also contains information that Hong Jong-pyo had a relationship with another woman even though he had one. Until now, there was room for him to move on to the private life of an unmarried player depending on his viewpoint. However, the article also contained allegations that he disparaged Gwangju, the home of Kia. Fans were enraged at the revelation that the player of his team disparaged his hometown.

As the posting became controversial, Kia went through a process to confirm the facts with Hong. "We acknowledge the controversy over his personal life," Hong admitted. Kia judged that the controversy had adversely affected the team and imposed its own disciplinary action. It was effectively a suspension of activities. It was removed from the first team entry immediately and was not included in the entry for the Korean Series. The team was even banned from participating in the closing camp. The team was fined.

However, the disciplinary action did not spread further because Hong strongly insisted that he did not disparage the region or make remarks against the disabled, which some have raised. The club also reportedly closely grasped whether the allegation was true. In conclusion, there was no clear evidence that Hong said such a story. Such contents were from a handwritten post. There was no evidence. There was no evidence. Hong acknowledged the controversy over his private life, but continued to stress that there was no regional disparagement.

Kia, which had agonized over the offseason but could no longer find evidence, put Hong on its spring camp list for now. Since the team's self-discipline in September last year was already over, the team could no longer be restrained until new evidence emerged against the degradation of the region or the disabled. Kia continued to agonize over this issue, and agonized over how to officially reveal its players and the team's position. And ahead of the exhibition game, Shim Jae-hak, the head of the team representing the players and the team, had time to explain the issue and apologize in front of the reporters.

Then why now? Anyway, the controversy was controversial, and some of the contents were recognized by players. As it caused controversy, he had to apologize officially. However, last year, when the problem would have arisen, the problem was not clearly resolved. There was a process for the club to keep checking whether it was true. Moreover, it was a situation where a big stage called the Korean Series was to be held. Then, time passed and he started off-season.

As the problem has ended to some extent through the off-season, an internal consensus has been formed that the problem should be solved before entering the regular season. They may just ask and expect oblivion as they enter the season, but they decided that this was not intentional. At least once, it was necessary to talk about the player's thoughts, apologize for the part that was apologized, clarify the part that was not true, and explain the club's policy. Or it was a part that was bound to be controversial. It was an issue that had to be dealt with once before the start of the 2025 season, and that point was set as the start of the exhibition game.

Hong Jong-pyo met with reporters ahead of the game against Lotte at Sajik Stadium on the 8th and said, "I have never done anything about the controversy over the disparaging Gwangju area that fans are worried about. I was just talking about life because the place I was born and lived in was the metropolitan area, but now the story has spread as it is exaggerated into the disparaging Gwangju area. I hope the fans don't misunderstand."

Shim Jae-hak also said, "I felt like I had to address Hong Jong-pyo at least once. Last year, the club strictly imposed its own disciplinary action on Hong. The club did not find any records that Hong himself mentioned. The player himself said he never made any disparaging remarks on the region. I have faith in the player." As Hong said he has already been given the highest level of disciplinary action, the latest incident will likely come to an end if there is no new certainty to reverse Hong's remarks on Tuesday.

After graduating from Gangneung High School and receiving KIA's second round pick (16th overall) in 2020, Hong is expanding his position based on his ability to play various positions in the infield and his talent in both air and defense. He played in 40 games for the first team in 2020, and returned to the team in 2023 after serving in the military athletic unit. And last year, he stood out in offense, playing in 100 games and posting a batting average of 0.295 . He has established himself in the KIA infield by performing more than just a logistical guard.

Industry experts speculate that if Hong Jong-pyo's remarks were true, Kia would have boldly started to clean up despite its position in the team. However, the club believed the player's words for now, and there was no other reason to turn it around. Hong is expected to prepare for the upcoming season by including in his team's roster in 2025.