Jung Ho Kang appeared in a South Korean court Wednesday as judges began hearing arguments in a trial over charges Kang, the Pirates’ third baseman, fled the scene of a DUI accident after slamming a rented BMW into a guardrail around 3 a.m. Dec. 2 in Seoul, South Korea.
A friend who falsely claimed to be the driver also was at Seoul Central District Court.
Kang, 29, admitted to the DUI charge — his third DUI charge since 2009 — and was remorseful, according to Yonhap News, which also reported the court will hold a verdict hearing March 3.
“I deeply regret what I have done,” Kang told Yonhap News. “If I can get one last chance, I will become an exemplary player to earn respect from everyone.”
Prosecutors originally sought a 15 million won ($13,117) fine against Kang and a 3 million won fine ($2,623) against the friend, a male identified only by the surname Yoo, The court rejected a summary proceeding and ordered a formal trial due to the severity of the charges, a court spokesperson told the Associated Press.
It is unclear what sentence could be handed down or when Kang can return to the United Stated and join the Pirates — their full-squad spring training workouts began Friday.
Earlier this month, Kang’s agent said his representative agreed to participate in a treatment program recommended by a joint panel agreed upon by Major League Baseball and the player’s union.
It is unknown whether the league or the Pirates will hand down any further punishment. On Monday, Pirates owner Bob Nutting said it was “probably not appropriate” to speak on the matter before the trial is concluded. Nutting said the Pirates were “well-positioned” to help Kang.
“We are absolutely disappointed that he has put himself and the organization in this circumstance,” Nutting said at Pirate City in Bradenton, Fla. “As importantly, he is disappointed and embarrassed that he has put the team in this place as well.”
The Associated Press contributed. Stephen J. Nesbitt: snesbitt@post-gazette.com and Twitter @stephenjnesbitt.
First Published: February 22, 2017, 10:19 a.m.