Choi Ji-man, a former major leaguer, has expressed his intention to join the KBO League. However, there appears to be a high possibility of controversy due to his past history of being caught using prohibited drugs.

Currently without a contract, Choi Ji-man trained with the LG Twins, who set up their first camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. Choi, who played in the major leagues until 2023, has kept the possibility of entering the Asian stage open. In particular, he is leaning more towards joining the KBO League.

In an interview with Korean reporters, he said, "I am considering both Korea and Japan. My desire to play in Korea has grown." Although major league teams have started their spring training, Choi has yet to sign a minor league contract.

Choi Ji-man, who is waiting for a better offer, is contemplating his future. He has various options: whether to stay in the U.S., attempt to move to Japan where he received an offer last year, or return to Korea to play in the KBO League.

Choi Ji-man, who has not yet fulfilled his military service obligations, obtained U.S. permanent residency, deferring his military duties until age 37. Choi has stated in the past that "even with permanent residency, I will fulfill my military obligations."

Choi Ji-man, who is leaning towards joining the KBO League, said, "To play in Korea, I need to resolve the military issue. If I return to Korea, I will fulfill my military obligations."

Choi Ji-man entered the U.S. in 2009 by signing with the Seattle Mariners as an international amateur free agent. He made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016 and has played for the New York Yankees, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres.

Choi appeared in a total of 525 major league games, recording a batting average of .234 (367 hits in 1,567 at-bats), 67 home runs, 238 RBIs, 190 runs scored, and 6 stolen bases. In 2019, while with the Tampa Bay Rays, he hit 19 home runs, setting a personal single-season record, and achieved double-digit home runs for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022.

However, Choi Ji-man faces significant obstacles to entering the KBO League. In 2014, during his time in the minor leagues with the Seattle Mariners, he received a 50-game suspension from the major league office for testing positive for prohibited drugs. At that time, he submitted the supplements he was taking to request a re-examination, but the major league's decision was not overturned.

The KBO, which promotes clean baseball, outlined four actions that are absolutely unacceptable: match-fixing, sexual crimes, drug use, and drunk driving. Although the player expressed his grievances, his record of disciplinary action from the major league office remains unchanged.

Recently, former Lotte Giants second team manager Park Jeong-tae was appointed as the head coach of the SSG Landers Futures but resigned due to past drunk driving allegations. At a time when morality is being emphasized even more, Choi Ji-man's entry into the KBO League, given his history of being caught using prohibited drugs, is likely to be a controversial issue.

[OSEN = Son Chan-ik reporter]