Seoul - South Korean Major League Baseball player Kim Ha-seong has strongly denied allegations of physically assaulting a former teammate, amidst an ongoing blackmail case. Kim's Seoul-based law firm, Best Way, issued a statement on Friday clarifying the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim had previously filed a complaint with the police, accusing his ex-teammate from the South Korean league of demanding money following a physical altercation in 2021. The statement revealed that despite a financial settlement being made, the ex-teammate continued to extort money from Kim during his mandatory military training in 2021. Kim, who had earned exemption from active duty due to his gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, faced the risk of losing this privilege due to legal issues.
Best Way asserted that Kim complied with the initial demands under the condition of no further contact or actions to his disadvantage. However, the ex-teammate allegedly breached this agreement, prompting Kim to file a complaint to avert further harm. A civil lawsuit has also been filed against the ex-teammate for violating their settlement terms.
The law firm categorically denied the ex-teammate's allegations of repeated assault by Kim, challenging him to formally file a complaint. Best Way affirmed Kim's readiness to cooperate with authorities to prove his innocence and to hold the ex-teammate accountable for false accusations.
The dispute escalated as the ex-teammate approached media outlets with photos of bruises, claiming they were inflicted by Kim. In response, Kim's legal team plans to pursue charges of defamation and continue legal actions against any further attacks on his character.
Kim and the ex-teammate were teammates at the Kiwoom Heroes in the Korea Baseball Organization, with the latter playing in the minors before retiring in 2017. Despite their shared history, their relationship has soured due to these recent allegations.
Kim has recently completed his best season in Major League Baseball, achieving a historic feat as the first Asian-born infielder to win a Gold Glove at utility position, alongside setting personal bests in home runs, RBIs, and steals.