Kia Tigers suspend manager Kim Jong-kook over criminal investigation
Published: 29 Jan. 2024, 08:54
Updated: 30 Jan. 2024, 07:44
-
- JIM BULLEY
- [email protected]
![Kim Jong-kook [YONHAP]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2024/01/30/7ccf11e7-4f00-4fa7-b70b-4dc00ea9ff08.jpg)
Kim Jong-kook [YONHAP]
The Kia Tigers suspended manager Kim Jong-kook on Sunday as he faces a criminal investigation over bribery charges.
“Kia was informed on Jan. 25 that manager Kim was under investigation and confirmed the report in a meeting with Kim on Jan. 27,” Kia said in a statement published on the club’s official Naver page. “The club determined that Kim would not be able to properly fulfil his duties while the investigation is ongoing and suspended him.”
“A decision on the future of Kim’s decision will be decided after the investigation is completed.”
Details of any accusations against Kim have not been revealed as of press time Monday.
Kim has been the Tigers manager since 2022, taking the team as far as the Wildcard series that season with 70 wins, 73 losses and one tie. Last year the Tigers managed 73 wins, 69 losses and two ties.
Prior to taking over as manager, Kim spent 11 years as a Tigers coach. He joined the coaching staff immediately after wrapping up a 14-year KBO career, all of which was also played with the Tigers.
The investigation into Kim comes less than a year after the Tigers fired former general manager Jang Jung-suk on March 29, 2023 after allegations surfaced that he had asked a free agent for a bribe during contract negotiations in 2022.
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.
In Kim’s absence, bench coach Jin Kab-yong will lead the Tigers’ upcoming spring training in Canberra, Australia.
BY JIM BULLEY [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)