Kang Jung-ho, who tried to return to the KBO league, but failed due to the brakes of the Korea Baseball Organization, eventually gave up on his return to the Korean stage.
Kiwoom general manager Koh Hyung-wook said today (2nd), "We have recently received a message from Kang Jung-ho that we will not push for a return to the KBO."
Kang Jung-ho was caught drunk driving three times in 2009, 2011, and 2016, and his driver's license was revoked due to the application of the 'Strike Out' system.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison and two years of probation for driving under the influence and damaging road structures at the time of the 2016 accident while playing for the Major League Pittsburgh Pirates.
Kang Jung-ho, who failed to recover in Pittsburgh, held a belated apology press conference in 2020 and pushed for a first comeback to the KBO.
However, he withdrew his intention to return by posting on social media by himself in response to strong public opposition.
In March of this year, the Kiwoom club abruptly announced a contract with Kang Jung-ho and showed strong will, such as asking the KBO for permission to return to the voluntary termination.
This time, President Huh Gu-yeon decided not to accept Kang Jung-ho's player contract at his/her own discretion based on Article 44 Paragraph 4 of the KBO Rules, which states that 'we may not approve player contracts with players who may undermine the protection of KBO rights and interests'.
However, the Kiwoom club's application for voluntary termination was permitted, but the KBO invalidated the contract itself with the Kiwoom club, and the return to the ground was frustrated.
In the end, Kang Jung-ho, who gave up on returning to the KBO league on his own, is expected to pursue his retirement.
(Photo = Yonhap News)