Kim Hyesung of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB) has apologized regarding the controversy over his father's debt and his attitude toward creditors. Kim's father has stated that he will repay the remaining 50 million won by the 20th of next month.
Kim Hyesung of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won the Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series, is answering questions from reporters as he returns to Korea through Incheon International Airport on the 6th. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 22nd, Kim Hyesung posted on his social media, saying, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who was disappointed by my immature words and actions at the airport," and added, "I failed to control my emotions and behaved in a way I should not have."
He continued, "I am deeply reflecting on my actions, and I will use this as an opportunity to become a better person."
Kim Hyesung also provided an explanation regarding his father's debt and the relationship with the creditor.
He said, "The person who protested at the airport has been coming to my school since I was in high school," and added, "Since 2018, he has continued protesting with banners at stadiums and airports."
He went on, "When I first met him at Incheon Munhak Baseball Stadium (now SSG Landers Field) in 2019, I told him, 'I will repay the debt for you.' However, he responded, 'I am not trying to get money from the player; I just want to inform your father of the situation,' and declined my offer. Even after that, he continued his public protests, and I felt sorry that it might cause trouble for my fellow players and fans."
He further added, "Out of a sense of family responsibility, I did my best financially as a son, including using my signing bonus and salary. I just hoped to be of some help to those who suffered losses because of my father's debt."
On the 6th, after returning to Korea at Incheon International Airport following his MLB debut season, Kim Hyesung was interviewed by reporters. During the interview, his father's creditor, known as 'Gocheok Kim Seonsaeng,' appeared at the scene holding a protest banner, and Kim was visibly uncomfortable.
This scene was reported by some media outlets, and as criticism mounted, it is known that Kim Hyesung's father met with the creditor and agreed to resolve the debt issue.
Sixteen years ago, Kim's father borrowed 120 million won from the creditor and reportedly did not repay it faithfully.
As a result, Gocheok Kim Seonsaeng staged solo protests demanding repayment at venues such as Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, where Kim Hyesung played, and became known among fans by that nickname.
Kim Hyesung's father and Gocheok Kim Seonsaeng have reached an agreement on the debt repayment. Kim's father is scheduled to repay 50 million won.
During a broadcast, Gocheok Kim Seonsaeng looked into the camera and said, "Hyesung, I am sorry. It's because of your father," and added, "He promised to pay 50 million won by the 20th of next month. This is being broadcast nationwide, so how could I lie?"
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