It was an event where players and fans were supposed to become one, but after the event, complaints from fans poured in. In the end, even the leader bowed his head. This is the story of the KIA Tigers, who held an event last weekend after finishing the regular season in 6th place.
On the 28th, the KIA club held the ‘Tiger Family Festival (Homadang) Event’ at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field. Programs such as ground events, fan signing events, special photo exhibitions, greetings from the players, Mudeungsan Mountain protection fund delivery ceremony, performances, and high-fives from the players and fans were held in order.
It was at the end of the event that the problem arose. While the players and fans were high-fiving, some players made inappropriate remarks, and fans who were offended expressed their dissatisfaction by reporting the situation at the scene through videos and texts on an online community.굿모닝토토
Afterwards, voices of dissatisfaction grew louder among fans, and KIA general manager Shim Jae-hak bowed his head.
On the afternoon of the 30th, the KIA club posted an apology in the name of General Manager Shim on the club’s official social networking service (SNS).
In an apology, General Manager Shim Jae-hak said, “I bow my head in apology to the fans who love and care for the KIA Tigers for the wrong words and actions of some players at the Tiger Family Festival event,” and added, “I would like to express my gratitude to the fans who supported me this season.” “We held a high-five event with fans and fans, and during this process, some players made comments and actions that were inappropriate for a player,” he said.
Director Shim continued, “The club feels a heavy sense of responsibility for this matter and is keenly aware of its responsibility. We deeply reflect on this incident and will do our best to create a culture that respects fans by putting more effort into the ethics training provided to the players on an ongoing basis.” “I will do my best,” he added.
The following is the full apology in the name of Director Shim Jae-hak.
We apologize to our fans.
hello. This is Shim Jae-hak, general manager of the KIA Tigers professional baseball team.
We bow our heads in apology to the fans who care for and love the KIA Tigers for the wrong words and actions of some players at the Tiger Family Festival held on October 28th.
To express our gratitude to the fans who supported us this season, we held a high-five event with the players and fans, but during this process, some players made comments and actions that were inappropriate for a professional baseball player.
KIA Tigers feels a heavy sense of responsibility for this matter and fully understands it. We deeply reflect on this incident, will put more effort into the ethics training we have been providing to our players, and will do our best to create a culture that respects fans. Once again, we would like to sincerely apologize to the fans who support the KIA Tigers.
thank you
October 30, 2023 Shim Jae-hak, general manager of the KIA Tigers professional baseball team.