Is LG Twins’ Lee Sang-young’s Return Enough? Fans Demand Apology After DUI Incident

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LG Twins pitcher Lee Sang-young’s return to the first-team roster has drawn heavy criticism from fans. The suspension is over, but many say he skipped the one thing people expected: a formal apology and a public expression of remorse.

Lee was added to the roster and started against NC on May 3. He lasted 3 1/3 innings, gave up nine hits, walked two and allowed five runs. The club removed him from the roster the next day, but fans focused less on the outing than on the way he came back — there was no official statement and no apology directed to supporters.

The underlying incident was serious. In September 2024 in Seongnam, Lee caused a drunk-driving crash, and police reported his blood-alcohol concentration at a level that would have led to license cancellation. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the situation could easily have produced a major accident. The KBO handed him a one-year disqualification under Article 151 for conduct that damaged the league’s dignity — effectively one of the harshest punishments available.

A year passed, and after five appearances in the Futures League, Lee returned to the first team. Procedurally, the club followed the rules. Still, many fans say the missing element is accountability: the end of a suspension doesn’t erase responsibility.

On the same day, Lotte players Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop and Kim Se-min publicly bowed and apologized when they returned from suspension. After serving 30-game bans, they told fans, “I’ll be a better person,” and “I won’t cause trouble again.” The offenses and their severity may differ, but fans naturally compare how players demonstrate responsibility in public.

The numbers make LG’s sensitivity understandable. Between July and December 2024, the club recorded three alcohol-related incidents in just six months: a former coach refused a breath test, infielder Kim Yu-min was caught driving drunk, and Lee’s heavily intoxicated crash followed. The organization promised steps to prevent recurrence, yet this comeback left supporters disappointed once more.

A player can earn another chance, but forgiveness is different. A sincere apology, acceptance of responsibility and changed behavior together complete a true return. What Lee needs now may be a few words to fans — spoken before he ever takes the mound again.

Photo: LG / Yonhap News