롯데 자이언츠 선수 불법 도박 스캔들: 나승엽 등 4명 KBO 신고

A promising start to the 2026 season for the Lotte Giants quickly turned sour after four players were found to have visited an illegal gambling den during their spring training camp in Taiwan. Na Seung-yeop, Go Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyeok, and Kim Se-min have been sent home and the incident has been reported to the KBO Clean Baseball Center.

A Season of High Hopes Dashed

The Lotte Giants’ initial spring training camp in Taiwan was marked by positive developments. The weather was ideal for training, and the team secured improved accommodations and catering services compared to the previous year. A special meal featuring Peking duck and braised short ribs was provided by chef Seo Seung-soo of the Lotte Hotel Busan, and players expressed gratitude for the support from the entire Lotte Group.

The Discovery and Immediate Response

The situation dramatically changed on February 13th when CCTV footage surfaced, showing Kim Dong-hyeok, Na Seung-yeop, Go Seung-min, and Kim Se-min entering an illegal gambling establishment. The Lotte Giants immediately sent the four players home and reported the incident to the KBO. Further disciplinary action is under consideration.

Players Involved and Recent Support

Go Seung-min and Na Seung-yeop were key players in the 2024 season, driving a generational shift in the Lotte Giants’ lineup. Despite experiencing setbacks in 2025 with injuries and performance issues, the team still offered them substantial contracts exceeding 100 million won. The club invested in their development, sending both players to Tsukuba National University in Japan in November 2025 to analyze and refine their batting mechanics.

Did You Know? Team captain Park Se-woong expressed gratitude for the support of the entire Lotte Group, stating they genuinely support the Giants.

Na Seung-yeop also benefited from mentorship with veteran player Jeon Jun-woo, who shared his training expertise. Jeon Jun-woo, at 40 years old, continues to perform at a high level, and has been actively supporting younger players. Kim Se-min, a 2022 draft pick, had shown promise in camp, impressing manager Kim Tae-hyung with his baseball instincts. Kim Dong-hyeok had also earned playing time due to injuries to other players, showcasing his defensive range and aggressive base running.

A Troubling Pattern

Kim Dong-hyeok is believed to have initiated the gambling excursion, having posted a photo on social media of a new phone received as a prize from the establishment. The presence of Kim Se-min, who has limited experience in the top league, also came as a shock. The incident represents a betrayal of the support provided by the team, coaching staff, and fellow players.

Expert Insight: This situation highlights the potential for lapses in judgment even among athletes who are receiving significant investment and mentorship from their organizations. The consequences of these actions extend beyond individual careers, impacting the reputation of the team and the league.

Frequently Asked Questions

What action has the Lotte Giants taken?

The Lotte Giants have sent Na Seung-yeop, Go Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyeok, and Kim Se-min home and reported the incident to the KBO Clean Baseball Center. They are also considering additional disciplinary measures.

Who are the players involved?

The players involved are Na Seung-yeop, Go Seung-min, Kim Dong-hyeok, and Kim Se-min.

What was the nature of the establishment the players visited?

The players visited an illegal gambling establishment in Taiwan, as confirmed by CCTV footage.

As the KBO investigates, what impact will this scandal have on the future of these players and the Lotte Giants organization?