[Sportschosun Reporter Kim Jun-seok] Lee Yong-kyu, a playing coach for the Kiwoom Heroes, has been forced to hang up his uniform in disgrace after a drunk driving incident, and the backlash is now spreading to the social media accounts of his wife, actress Yoo Ha-na.
Soon after news of Lee Yong-kyu's drunk driving became public on the 12th, some internet users visited Yoo Ha-na's personal social media account and left comments on related posts, pouring out their reactions. Comments criticizing and mocking Lee Yong-kyu followed one after another, including, "Is this being buried by the World Cup?" "Goodbye," "Is it true that Yong-kyu hyung was drinking?" and "How can a player with a coaching title drink until 6 a.m.?"
Some, however, argued that the mistake was Lee Yong-kyu's alone and that it was excessive to track down his family's social media accounts to attack them. Others said malicious comments directed at his wife, Yoo Ha-na, should be restrained.
Earlier in the day, the Kiwoom club officially announced, "Coach Lee Yong-kyu has expressed that he deeply feels responsible for this matter and intends to end his professional career, and we have accepted that decision."
The club added, "We deeply apologize for causing concern to fans and KBO League officials because of misconduct by one of our members."
Lee Yong-kyu was driving under the influence at around 6:25 a.m. in Acheon-dong, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do, when he ran a red light and collided with a vehicle making a U-turn from the opposite direction.
The impact reportedly sent his vehicle into the rear of a patrol car that was parked on the shoulder. Police measured his blood alcohol concentration at a level that would lead to license revocation, and he has been booked without detention on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act for drunk driving.
Through the club, Lee Yong-kyu said, "I will not make any excuses and deeply reflect on my mistake." He added, "I will faithfully cooperate with the investigation by the relevant authorities and sincerely apologize to the victims of the accident. I will do everything I can to help restore the damage."
Lee Yong-kyu, who made his professional debut in 2004, played for the Kia Tigers, Hanwha Eagles and Kiwoom Heroes, and established himself as one of the league's leading contact hitters with 2,140 career hits.
He was especially loved as one of the key members of the gold medal-winning team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, helping lead the golden era of Korean baseball.
More recently, he had been working as both a player and first-team hitting coach, preparing for a graceful retirement at the end of this season. But one reckless decision has brought an inglorious end to a baseball career that spanned more than 20 years.
The fallout from the drunk driving incident has even spread into his family's social media space, adding to the sense of regret.
narusi@sportschosun.com
