What Do You Think About the Doosan Bears, Who Are Facing the 'School Violence Controversy' Involving Kim Yuseong?

'School Violence History' Right-Hander Kim Yuseong to Doosan
Bears Fans Outraged, Demand "Withdraw the Draft" on Bulletin Board
General Manager Kim Taeryong: "I Understand the Player Has Reflected Deeply"

The appearance of Kim Yu-seong when he was first drafted by the NC Dinos years ago. Photo by NC

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Withdraw Kim Yuseong's nomination immediately!" "We are boycotting Doosan."

Doosan Bears fans in professional baseball are seriously angry. This is because Doosan embraced Kim Yuseong, who is involved in a 'school violence (hakpok)' controversy. Fans are even declaring a boycott, saying they will no longer support Doosan.

With Doosan's postseason advancement canceled, the team now faces a situation where it must worry not about analyzing the cause of defeat or strengthening its lineup, but about how to protect a player with a history of school violence, and how to endure the fans' anger and public criticism. Some point out that this is a problem Doosan brought upon itself.

On the 15th, at the '2023 KBO Rookie Draft' held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, Doosan used the 2nd round overall 9th pick to select Kim Yuseong. The moment General Manager Kim Taeryong called out Kim Yuseong's name, the venue was greatly stirred. This was because they had nominated a player involved in a school violence controversy.

Judging solely by his pitching talent, Kim Yuseong is evaluated as an immediate asset. With a height of 191cm and a right-handed fastball averaging in the high 140 km/h range, he is welcomed by any team in the baseball world, where the phrase 'pitcher play' is common.

The problem is that such outstanding skills cannot be used on the mound. Kim Yuseong was first selected by the local team NC in 2020 when he was a senior at Gimhae High School, but the victim's side publicized allegations of school violence online and mentioned insufficient apologies, causing a social uproar. NC eventually withdrew the nomination. It is known that no amicable agreement or relationship restoration with the victim was achieved. The Changwon District Court's reconciliation recommendation was not established, and Kim received 20 hours of psychological therapy and 40 hours of community service orders.

Kim chose to enter Korea University to continue playing baseball, but he was suspended for one year by the Korea Baseball Softball Association and could not pitch last year. Although official game participation was allowed from this year, due to the school violence issue, neither fans nor the team could readily approach him. The public opinion is that no matter how talented, perpetrators of school violence cannot align with sportsmanship. Seemingly aware of this, Kim Yuseong did not attend this draft event.

On the 15th, the Doosan Bears, who attended the 2023 KBO Rookie Draft, selected Kim Yuseong (Korea University), who had a past 'school violence controversy.' Photo by Doosan Bears Official Instagram

There is more to the problem. Doosan is already struggling with school violence controversies. Right-handed pitcher Lee Youngha is facing trial after being indicted without detention for allegations of school violence while attending Sunrin Internet High School.

As a result, fans express outrage, questioning why Doosan would nominate Kim Yuseong, who has a school violence issue. On Doosan Bears' official website fan board 'Bears' Conversation,' posts criticizing Kim Yuseong's nomination are pouring in. One fan reacted, "Is it possible to nominate a player even if they have character issues?" expressing disbelief.

Kim, a 40-year-old office worker who has been a Doosan fan for over 30 years, said, "If we really concede, we can nominate a player with school violence controversy based on ability alone," but added, "(However) the victim's side still hasn't forgiven, right?" He criticized, "This is a different issue from player selection. What do you think the victim's side will feel when Kim Yuseong goes on the mound and receives cheers?"

Doosan, having embraced Kim Yuseong amid the school violence controversy, is preparing a related response. General Manager Kim emphasized, "We thought a lot about (nominating Kim Yuseong). I understand that the player himself has reflected a lot." He continued, "We have not yet fully grasped the situation. Since we nominated him, we will understand the situation going forward and consider how to respond."

The background for nominating Kim Yuseong was explained as, "We planned to select Kim Yuseong if the opportunity came to us. Since we had the 2nd round 9th pick, we decided to pick Kim Yuseong if he was not selected earlier."