[Sportschosun Park Aram Reporter] The scene of the drunk driving crash involving Kiwoom Heroes coach Lee Yong-kyu, which occurred in the early hours of the 13th, was shocking.
Traces of the violent impact were still clearly visible at the scene. A luxury imported car, crumpled beyond recognition, had come to a stop in the middle of the road, while the interior was filled with deployed airbags. The front bumper and hood were badly dented, and shattered glass and vehicle debris were scattered everywhere.
Fragments from the crash were strewn across the road.
Witnesses said in unison, "We heard a loud noise like an explosion."
The vehicle reportedly struck a passenger car making a U-turn, then spun from the impact and collided in sequence with a Police patrol car parked on the shoulder. The patrol car also suffered major damage to part of its body.
Police said that Lee Yong-kyu's blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was high enough to warrant license revocation.
Meanwhile, the Kiwoom Heroes said, "Lee Yong-kyu has acknowledged his mistake and conveyed his intention to end his professional career," adding, "The club has decided to accept his decision."
Lee Yong-kyu, who joined the LG Twins in 2004 and spent more than 20 years as a professional baseball player with his trademark grit, has been forced into an inglorious exit by a single wrong decision.
Lee Yong-kyu married actress Yoo Ha-na in 2011, and they have two sons. The couple also appeared on MBC's "Miss Wife" in 2023 and shared details of their married life.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
