Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles (LA) Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB) apologized over his father's debt controversy.
On the 22nd, through his social media (SNS) Instagram, Kim Hye-seong said, "I bow my head in apology to everyone who would have been disappointed by my immature words and behavior and attitude at the airport on Nov. 6," adding, "I acted and spoke in ways I should not have, failing to get my emotions under control." He added, "I am deeply reflecting, and I will become a better person through this incident."
Earlier, on the 6th, after finishing his MLB debut season and returning to Korea, Kim Hye-seong was being interviewed by reporters at the arrivals hall of Incheon International Airport when his father's creditor, nicknamed "Gocheok Teacher Kim," appeared with a banner to protest, and he could not hide his discomfort.
Pointing at the creditor with his finger, he said, "If you could block that person, I will do my best," and "Use words, use words. You never speak, always like that." Afterward, there was an online debate over his attitude.
Kim Hye-seong also offered an explanation about his father's debt and the relationship with the creditor. He said, "The person who protested at the airport had been coming to my school since I was in high school," adding, "Since 2018, he has continued to protest with banners at stadiums and airports."
He continued, "When I first met him in 2019 at Incheon Munhak Baseball Stadium (SSG Landers Field), I even told him 'I will repay the debt,' but he said he was 'not trying to get money from the player but to inform the father of the situation,' and he did not accept the offer," adding, "Since then, he has continued public protests, and I felt sorry, worried that it might be a nuisance to my fellow players and fans."
He went on, "Out of a sense of responsibility as family, I did my best financially as a son, including my signing bonus and salary," adding, "It was out of a desire to be of even a little help to those harmed by my father's debt."
Sixteen years ago, Kim Hye-seong's father borrowed 120 million won from the creditor and reportedly did not faithfully repay it. In response, the creditor staged solo protests demanding repayment of the debt at places such as Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome where Kim Hye-seong plays, and fans called him the so-called "Gocheok Teacher Kim." After Kim Hye-seong's attitude became an issue at the airport recently, his father is said to have met the creditor and agreed to resolve the debt.