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The KIA-Doosan match at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 6th. KIA fans, who filled the stands on the third base side, are enthusiastic about scoring a large amount in the fourth inning.

Shim Jae-hak's apology was posted on the KIA Tigers' official SNS account.

The event planned to meet fans closer ended with an "apology party." What happened to the KIA Tigers who were shouting "Fan First".

On October 30, KIA posted a picture of itself under the name of its general manager Shim Jae-hak through the club's official SNS account. Under the title of "I apologize to my fans," Shim Jae-hak said, "I would like to bow my head to the fans who cherish and love KIA Tigers for their wrong words and actions at the 'Tiger Family Hanmadang' event held on October 28th." We held a high-five event with the team and fans to thank the fans for supporting us this season, and in the process, some players made inappropriate remarks and actions as professional baseball players. KIA Tigers feel a heavy sense of responsibility and feel responsible for this issue. We will deeply reflect on this, work harder on the ethics education of the team, and do our best to create a culture that respects fans. I would like to apologize once again to the fans who support the KIA Tigers. Thank you," he bowed his head.

The 'incident' took place at a fan event held at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on October 28. Tiger Family Hanmadang is a fan event of KIA Tigers, which boasts a long history. It has its own meaning of inviting fans to its home stadium after the end of the regular season to have time for players to play games, talent shows, and breathe together.

However, at this year's event, players lined up high-fives to see off the fans in hand, which caused misunderstanding of some players' inappropriate words and actions. It was pointed out whether it was evaluating the appearance of fans, and the misunderstanding remarks grew controversial around the online community.


The 2023 KBO League KIA Tigers and Kiwoom Heroes match was held at Gwangju Kia Champions Field on the 17th. Director Shim Jae-hak of KIA and manager Kim Jong-kook.

Therefore, the club issued an apology. The reason why he apologized under the name of Shim Jae-hak was because the part that Shim emphasized the most when he took office was "fan-first." When Shim Jae-hak was appointed as the general manager in May, he said, "KIA is a team with a lot of fans. I will play baseball that fans can understand with "Fan First," he said, stressing becoming a baseball team recognized by fans. However, the general manager personally apologized for such unsavoury noises at the event planned to be held with fans.

On top of that, the players also gave explanations. Kim Seok-hwan, whose remarks were controversial, uploaded an explanation on his SNS. "My acquaintances and teachers also attended the event that day, and when I got married next year after a fellow player said, 'My brother's family is coming,' I was bold enough to say, 'My mother-in-law is coming at the next event,' but that seems to have been controversial," he said. "I want to tell you that 'My mother-in-law is coming soon' is never related to the fans." At the same time, "However, if I had postponed the conversation with my colleagues for a while and focused on each of the fans, there would have been no such situation, but through this, I will also reflect on myself and look back." I'm always grateful to my fans and I'm just sorry that I couldn't be a better player," he apologized.

Jung Hae-young, who even performed in front of fans wearing a wig called "Curly Hair," also posted a lengthy apology on her SNS account. In the case of Jung Hae-young, there was no problem, and he is usually famous for his good fan service among fans. However, Jung Hae-young received a video that said, "I'm tired" while giving a high five. After receiving the video, I am posting it after thinking about whether it will make the controversy even bigger, he said. "Even if it's a small controversy, I think it's right to apologize if it's a controversy arising from my attitude toward the fans, and above all, I'm so sorry that this controversy has occurred from the fans that I've always treated with sincerity."

Jung Hae-young also said, "If anyone is hurt or disappointed by my words, I will apologize." I'm sorry, but I've never treated my fans with my heart for a moment," he added.

The Kia club is also taking a stern look at the situation. As the apology promised to prevent recurrence and train the team, I will emphasize it again and again. However, with some fans still continuing to protest over the operation of the club and the operation of the game amid the regret that they failed to advance to the postseason this year, controversy over fan service continues.