[Interview] "Withdraw the nomination of Kim Yuseong" Cries of 'Truck Protest' Fans

Doosan selects right-handed pitcher Kim Yuseong with a history of school violence
Bears fans demand "Immediate withdrawal of the selection" and hold a 'truck protest'

Doosan Bears fans began a full-scale "truck protest" on the 4th, urging the withdrawal of Kim Yuseong's nomination. The truck protest is scheduled to take place at Doosan Tower in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, and Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Photo by Reader Provided

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I started cheering for the Doosan players because of their hustle play."

Hustle play refers to a relentless, spirited effort on the field that boosts team morale. However, Doosan fans have recently voiced that such morale has hit rock bottom. This is because the team drafted a player with a history of school violence.

A 20-year-old university student, Kim, who is using truck protests to demand the withdrawal of the draft pick, strongly criticized, saying, "The very act of drafting a school violence perpetrator is problematic." Below is a Q&A with a Doosan fan conducting the truck protest to revoke Kim Yuseong's draft pick.

- There are many ways to protest; why did you choose a truck protest?

▲ We wanted to convey the opinions of fans demanding the withdrawal of the draft pick of the (school violence) perpetrator, so we looked into various methods such as subway ads, bus ads, and banners. Among them, we thought a truck protest was the fastest and easiest method, so we proceeded with it.

- What do you think about Doosan drafting Kim Yuseong?

▲ I never expected Doosan to draft Kim Yuseong in this draft. Currently, Lee Young-ha, who is with Doosan, is undergoing trial related to school violence. Therefore, I never thought they would risk criticism by drafting a player who has not even properly settled with the victim. If the perpetrator sincerely reflected on his past mistakes and offered a heartfelt apology to the victim, and the victim forgave him, it might be different. However, I believe a perpetrator who caused great harm to someone cannot receive support from many people.

Kim Yu-seong at the time of being selected as the first pick by the NC Dinos. Photo by NC

- How do Doosan fans seem to feel about this Kim Yuseong draft pick?

▲ The majority of Doosan fans have a negative reaction to Kim Yuseong’s draft. Since NC withdrew Kim Yuseong’s draft pick two years ago, most baseball viewers are aware of the controversy. Especially with Lee Young-ha currently on trial for school violence charges, the criticism is even more intense and negative.

- In the sports world, players were often selected based solely on ability despite moral issues. Do you think times have changed?

▲ It is definitely changing. Although some players with moral issues still play professionally, if a player involved in controversy is selected, most fans strongly criticize the team. In this draft, one team reportedly excluded players with school violence issues from the draft candidates altogether. Another team did not sign a high school player who posted drinking photos on social media after being drafted. I believe continuous attention and feedback from fans can change the sports world.

- Fans of other teams are also very interested in the Kim Yuseong issue. Why do you think that is?

▲ Baseball fans have been interested since it became known that the player submitted an application for this draft. Probably because he was first-round drafted two years ago but had the pick withdrawn due to school violence controversy, it has drawn more attention.

- What do you think is the core issue triggered by the Kim Yuseong case?

▲ I believe the biggest issue is the front office’s complacency. Kim Tae-ryong, the general manager, said at the draft that he has been in baseball for 38 years. People often say that the landscape changes every 10 years. Yet, over about 40 years?four landscape changes?the front office (or some people who only value ability similarly) still remains stuck in the mindset of 40 years ago and does not prioritize morality.

- Do you have any words you want to share with Doosan and Doosan fans?

▲ I hope the front office withdraws the draft pick of the perpetrator and offers an apology to the victim. Also, I hope that in the future, players with ethical issues will not receive fan support.

I ask fans to maintain continuous interest in similar issues and keep raising their voices. For the Doosan Bears we support not to be ashamed, the team itself must change. Staying silent will not solve anything. The more people gather, the faster change can happen.

On the 15th of last month, 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

Meanwhile, Kim Yuseong was first-round drafted by the NC team in his hometown region in 2020 when he was a senior at Gimhae High School. However, after the victim publicly raised allegations of school violence against Kim Yuseong online, NC eventually withdrew the draft pick.

According to media reports, Kim Yuseong was referred to the school violence committee in 2017 and received a five-day suspension. In January 2018, the Changwon District Court issued a reconciliation recommendation, but since no agreement was reached with the victim, he was ordered to undergo 20 hours of psychological treatment and 40 hours of community service.

Afterward, Kim Yuseong chose to enter Korea University to continue playing baseball but was suspended for one year by the Korea Baseball Softball Association and was unable to pitch last year. General Manager Kim Tae-ryong told reporters after the '2023 KBO Rookie Draft,' "I have not yet fully grasped the situation. Since we drafted him, we will assess the situation and consider how to respond."