Last year, Na Kyun-an (27), who disappointed Lotte Giants fans by causing various controversies, bowed his head repeatedly.

On the 24th, Na Kyun-an met with reporters during a training session of the Lotte Giants team held at the BASS baseball field in Miyazaki, Japan, to reflect on the past season and bow to the Lotte fans.

Na Kyun-an said, "I have been feeling the value of baseball repeatedly. Whether I come to the baseball field or before arriving, I always try to have the right mindset. I live with thoughts about why I play baseball and how I should act. I have reflected a lot on the events of last year, and I must ensure that such incidents do not happen again. Thanks to many people giving me advice, I have been able to focus solely on baseball."

Na Kyun-an, who successfully transformed from a catcher to a pitcher, was revealed to have attended a drinking party with acquaintances the night before his start last June. A baseball fan uploaded a photo of Na Kyun-an at the party on an online community, causing the controversy to escalate. Many baseball fans were enraged by his lack of professionalism in partying until early morning on the day of his start.

The Lotte organization held a self-discipline committee regarding Na Kyun-an, and after confirming the facts with the player, imposed a 30-game suspension and 40 hours of community service. Additionally, Na Kyun-an found himself at the center of controversy due to family issues, leaving him with a dismal record of 4 wins and 7 losses with an average earned run average of 8.51 in 26 games last year.

Na Kyun-an said, "I haven't had a separate interview since such incidents, so while I always had feelings of apology toward the fans and the team, I couldn't express them. I want to take this interview as an opportunity to sincerely apologize to the fans. I think I must show really good performances at the baseball field moving forward. Since I am a baseball player, I believe I should repay the fans through baseball."

He also shared a story of regaining his initial mindset through community service. Na Kyun-an, who has contributed his talents to high school baseball players in the Busan region, said, "I felt a lot about how I thought and what mindset I had when I was their age. It was a turning point for regaining my initial mindset. While contributing my talents during winter, whether in the morning, afternoon, or even at night, I saw the kids working really hard. I thought, 'I did the same when I was that age,’ and it reminded me of my initial mindset."

He expressed gratitude toward the coaching staff for giving him another opportunity despite the controversies last year. Na Kyun-an said, "I am very grateful to the coach for providing a lot of help while preparing this year. The pitching coaches also took good care of me, which became a chance for me to regain my confidence. I am deeply sorry and thankful to the coach."

Na Kyun-an is now considered a potential 4th or 5th starter for the Lotte team this year. However, he has no desires for a specific position. In reflecting on the controversies he caused last year, he is willing to accept any position gratefully. Na Kyun-an said, "It's difficult to say that I am competing in any position, whether starter or bullpen. If the coach says to go out, it's right to play in any position. I would like to be a starter, but in this situation, being a player that the team needs comes first."

He added, "Everything was my fault. If baseball were an individual sport, it might have been okay, but since it’s a team sport, I need to dedicate myself and become the player that the team needs. The team's needs come before personal honor restoration. I feel slightly diminished psychologically from showing poor performance last year, but that is my responsibility as well. I prepared well to avoid making such mistakes again, and I must perform well for the team now."