What Happened to Jung Ho Kang? Why was Jung Ho Kang Suspended?
by Tamilchandran | Updated Jul 25, 2023
Who is Jung Ho Kang?
Jung Ho Kang is a South Korean professional baseball player who primarily plays as a third baseman. He was born on April 5, 1987. Kang began his baseball journey in his native South Korea, where he played for the Hyundai Unicorns and Nexen Heroes in the KBO League. His talent and performance caught the attention of Major League Baseball (MLB), and he eventually signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates, making his MLB debut in 2015.
Before making his mark in professional baseball, Kang attended Gwangju Jeil High School, where he initially played as a catcher. However, his skills as a third baseman caught the attention of the South Korean national under-18 team, and he represented his country at the World Junior Baseball Championship in 2004, contributing to the team's bronze medal victory.
In 2005, while still in high school, Kang played a significant role in leading Gwangju Jeil High School to victory in the Golden Lion Flag Championship, earning individual awards such as the Outstanding Pitcher Award and the RBI title. Throughout his career, Jung Ho Kang has showcased his abilities both in his home country and in the major leagues.
His journey from the KBO League to the MLB has been an inspiring one, making him a respected figure in the world of baseball both in South Korea and internationally. As of the latest information available, Kang is currently a free agent, and his future in professional baseball remains to be determined.
Name
Jung Ho Kang
Date of Birth
April 5, 1987
Nationality
South Korean
Position
Third Baseman
KBO Teams
Hyundai Unicorns, Nexen Heroes
MLB Team
Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB Debut
2015
Current Status
Free Agent
What Happened to Jung Ho Kang?
Jung Ho Kang's baseball career has been marred by several legal issues, leading to suspensions and a troubled path. In 2016, he faced a sexual assault claim, but no charges were brought against him due to lack of cooperation from the accuser. Later that same year, Kang was involved in a high-speed hit-and-run incident in South Korea while under the influence of alcohol. He fled the scene and was subsequently found guilty of his third DUI, resulting in the denial of his work visa to enter the United States for the 2017 MLB season.
Due to his multiple DUI incidents, Kang faced potential suspension for up to three years as per the KBO League rule book. The league's disciplinary committee had to decide if the rule would be applied retroactively to Kang's 2016 DUI arrest when he was not a KBO player. Despite these legal troubles, Kang returned to the KBO League in March 2022, signing a one-year contract with his former team, the Kiwoom Heroes. However, the KBO later declined to approve the contract, making Kang a free agent.
As of the latest available information, Jung Ho Kang's future in professional baseball remains uncertain, given the legal issues and suspensions he has faced. The impact of these incidents on his career has been significant, with multiple setbacks and obstacles standing in the way of his return to the sport.
Why was Jung Ho Kang Suspended?
Jung Ho Kang was suspended from the KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) for a year due to his involvement in DUI (Driving Under the Influence) incidents. The suspension was a result of Kang's two DUIs that occurred while he was a member of a KBO team. The KBO chose not to punish him for a third DUI that took place in 2016, as it happened while he was not playing in South Korea. However, his previous DUIs during his time in the KBO led to the one-year suspension.
Additionally, Kang was sentenced to an 8-month jail term for his DUI charges, but the sentence was suspended for two years. This means that he will not serve jail time immediately, but the sentence will be enforced if he violates any laws or commits any further offenses within the two-year period. In addition to the suspended jail sentence, Kang was ordered to complete 300 hours of community service.
The suspension and legal troubles have significantly impacted Jung Ho Kang's baseball career, leading to uncertainties about his future in the sport. As of the latest information available, Kang remains a free agent, and his return to professional baseball remains uncertain due to the consequences of his DUI incidents.
Who is Jung Ho Kang's Wife?
As of 2023, Jung Ho Kang is currently single and not dating anyone, according to available records. He is 36 years old and, to date, there have been no reports of him being in a relationship. The information suggests that he has not been previously engaged, indicating that his personal life has not involved any publicized romantic partnerships.
It's important to note that Jung Ho Kang's personal life has been largely kept private, and he may choose to keep his relationships out of the public eye. As such, there might be limited information available about his dating history or any potential partners. Kang's focus has likely been on his baseball career and navigating the legal issues he has faced in recent years.
Jung Ho Kang Stats
Jung Ho Kang has an impressive baseball career with notable stats both in the KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) and the MLB (Major League Baseball).
In the KBO, Kang's career statistics include a batting average of .298, 139 home runs, and 545 runs batted in. He initially played for the Hyundai Unicorns after being drafted by them in the second round of the 2006 KBO First-Year Player Draft. However, Kang struggled to make an impact in his first two seasons, with limited playing time and low batting averages.
Kang's performance significantly improved when he joined the Nexen Heroes. In 2014, he had a standout season, hitting an impressive .356 with 40 home runs and 117 runs batted in. He also led the league in slugging percentage and OPS, solidifying his position as one of the league's premier offensive players. Kang's success continued with three consecutive Gold Glove Awards for his outstanding defensive skills.
In the MLB, Kang's stats (as of the 2019 season) include a batting average of .254, 46 home runs, and 144 runs batted in. However, his time in the MLB was impacted by legal issues and suspensions, which affected his playing time and career progression. Despite these challenges, Kang's contributions in both the KBO and the MLB showcase his talent and skills as a formidable baseball player.
What Happened to Jung Ho Kang - FAQs
Yes, Jung Ho Kang was involved in DUI (Driving Under the Influence) incidents, leading to legal troubles and suspensions.
Yes, Kang was suspended by the KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) for one year as a result of his DUI incidents.
Yes, a sexual assault claim was made against Kang in early July 2016, but no charges were brought against him as the accuser did not cooperate with the police investigation.
Yes, Kang's DUI incidents led to legal issues that affected his ability to obtain a work visa and play in the United States during the 2017 MLB season.
As of the latest information available, Kang returned to the KBO League in 2022, signing a contract with the Kiwoom Heroes. However, his contract was not approved by the KBO, and he is currently a free agent.