Pirates’ Jung Ho Kang facing DUI charges in South Korea after fleeing accident scene
Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang is in trouble with the law in his native South Korea, according to reports from Yonhap News and Naver.
Pirates president Frank Coonelly acknowledged in a statement that the team is cognizant of the "very serious charges" filed against Kang, who reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .084, nearly twice the legal limit. He fled the scene of a crash in Seoul, and was arrested and charged for leaving the accident site. The events took place at 2:45 a.m. local time, according to the reports.
“We are extremely disappointed in Jung Ho and in his decision process during this matter,” Coonellysaid. “I know first-hand how foolish and dangerous it is to drive under the influence and am most thankful that, as we understand it, no one was injured. We will have further comment once we have been able to gather all of the relevant facts and speak with the player.”
Coonelly’s reference to his personal life pertains to his December 2011 DUI arrest, after which he entered rehab.
Kang was investigated in July for an alleged sexual assault in Chicago, while the team was on the road. A woman told police that she met Kang through a dating app, that he served her alcohol, that she subsequently struggled to remain conscious, and that he later sexually assaulted her. He has not been charged.
Kang, 29, hit .255 this season with 21 home runs.
