'Choegang Baseball' Trouble... Jang Won-sam Involved in Daytime Drunk Driving Accident in Busan

Around 1 PM, Reversing Vehicle Collides with Rear Car
Blood Alcohol Level at License Revocation Threshold

Former professional baseball pitcher Jang Won-sam (41) was caught causing a minor collision while driving under the influence in broad daylight in Busan.

According to the police, around 1 p.m. on the 17th, Jang was reversing in the first left-turn lane on a road in Gwang-an-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan, when he hit a vehicle behind him. The responding officers measured Jang's blood alcohol concentration, which was reportedly at the level warranting license cancellation (blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher). Since the accident was minor, the police initially sent Jang home and plan to conduct further investigation and take appropriate legal action.

Former professional baseball player Jang Won-sam
[Image source=JTBC 'Choegang Baseball' capture]

Jang, who joined the Hyundai Unicorns in 2006, played as a pitcher for Samsung, LG, and Lotte before retiring in 2020. He appeared in 367 KBO League games, recording 121 wins, 98 losses, a 4.28 ERA, and 1,201 strikeouts. He also won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Known for his good deeds during his active career, Jang has been actively involved in donations to his alma mater, talent donations, hospital volunteering, and support for COVID-19 victims. After retirement, he has appeared on the JTBC variety show "Choegang Baseball." However, due to this DUI incident, there is talk of him possibly leaving the program, and previously filmed episodes scheduled to air on the 19th are expected to be edited.

Meanwhile, his past remarks have also drawn attention following this DUI incident. In June, Jang appeared on fellow player Jung Geun-woo’s YouTube channel and revealed the secret to not having caused any incidents during his playing days despite being a heavy drinker.

Jang said, "I don’t really like driving," adding, "I mostly took taxis." He continued, "Everyone around me said, ‘If you had started driving when you were young, you definitely would have caused some trouble. Starting late was a blessing in disguise.’" He also shared an anecdote, "Coach Sun Dong-yeol told me, ‘You like drinking, right? Then you should live in the dormitory.’"