Kim Hye-sung of the Los Angeles (LA) Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB) apologized over a controversy about his attitude related to "Gocheok Mr. Kim," a creditor of his father.
On the 22nd, Kim posted on social media (SNS), saying, "I bow my head and apologize to everyone who would have been disappointed by my immature words and actions at the airport on the 6th and the attitude I showed in the subsequent interview."
He also said, "My actions at the time cannot be excused by any words, and I continue to regret and reflect," adding, "Above all, I once again apologize to Mr. Kim who was present, the reporters who were there to cover the story, and everyone who watched this scene."
On the 6th, when returning through Incheon Airport, Kim sparked controversy by pointing his finger and saying, "If you could block that person, I will focus on the interview," after spotting "Gocheok Mr. Kim," a creditor holding a banner demanding repayment of his father's debt, during an interview. At the time, "Gocheok Mr. Kim" was kept at a distance from the interview site by security staff, and the interview then resumed.
A person surnamed Kim, known as "Gocheok Mr. Kim," is a creditor who lent 120 million won to Kim Hye-sung's father 16 years ago. He has continued banner protests at stadiums and airports, demanding repayment of the debt. After the airport controversy, Kim Hye-sung's father reportedly met Kim and promised to resolve the debt.
Kim also explained the process surrounding his father's debt and the conflict. He said, "The person who protested at the airport has 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 at Incheon Munhak Baseball Stadium (SSG Landers Field) in 2019, I even told him, 'I will repay the debt,' but he said, 'I am not trying to get money from the player; I am doing this to inform your father of the situation,' and did not accept the offer," adding, "He continued public protests afterward, and I felt sorry, worrying it might cause trouble for my teammates and fans."
He added, "Out of a sense of responsibility as family, I did my best financially as a son, including signing bonus and salary," and "I hoped it would help, even a little, the person harmed by my father's debt."