Women's professional volleyball player An Hye-jin, who became a "lost child" after getting behind the wheel drunk with a major free agent (FA) deal looming, issued an official apology.
On Apr. 27 at 10:30 a.m., An Hye-jin attended a disciplinary committee meeting held at the Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) secretariat in Mapo District, Seoul. After explaining her case to the committee, she appeared before reporters and bowed her head, saying, "I am sorry for causing worry and concern because of me. I am truly sorry to fans and everyone involved," and added, "I will make sure this never happens again."
Attorney Han Jeong-mu of Lawfirm Beopjeong, An Hye-jin's legal representative, said, "At the disciplinary committee, we spoke about the reflection and self-restraint after the detection," adding, "The breath test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.032%, which is at the license suspension level."
According to Attorney Han, An Hye-jin had a meal with an acquaintance from around midnight until 6:30 a.m. An drank alcohol from midnight to about 3:30 a.m., then drank soft drinks for the next three hours, took a brief nap in her car, and set off.
A former national team setter, An Hye-jin led GS Caltex to a dramatic championship as the starting player in the 2025-2026 season. With An guarding the court as the starting setter, GS Caltex won the title for the first time in five years, sweeping all six games in the postseason. After the season ended, An became an FA and was on the verge of a "major deal," but on the 16th she was caught driving under the influence. Immediately after being caught, An voluntarily reported herself to the club, and the club notified the federation, leading to the disciplinary committee meeting that day.
As a result, An Hye-jin was left off the national team call-up list, and in the FA market no club, including her original team GS Caltex, offered her a contract.