Kia Tigers fire general manager after bribery accusation

Jang Jung-suk

The Kia Tigers fired general manager Jang Jung-suk on Wednesday after allegations surfaced that he had asked a free agent for a bribe during contract negotiations last year.

Jang’s departure came after former catcher Park Dong-won accused him of asking for a kickback during talks after the end of the 2022 KBO season.

Park eventually left the Tigers and signed with the LG Twins on a four-year deal.

Jang did not deny the accusation, instead claiming that it had been a joke and offering to resign. The Tigers refused to allow the resignation, firing him instead after a disciplinary hearing Wednesday.

The Tigers also issued a statement on Wednesday apologizing to fans and the league for the incident.

“The club feels a heavy sense of responsibility in relation to this case,” the statement said, “and will work harder and continue to make efforts to educate all club executives and athletes in compliance to prevent this from happening again.”

Jang’s departure comes just three days before the 2023 KBO season starts on Saturday.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]