According to multiple reports, Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang has been arrested in his native South Korea for DUI and fleeing the scene. Per Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Kang was released after being charged. Further details:
Correction: Kang's BAC was 0.084, according to police report. Legal limit is South Korea is 0.05. Penalty for DUI can be fine/3-year jail
— Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) December 2, 2016
Following Kang's arrest, Pirates president Frank Coonelly released the following statement through the team:
We have been made aware of the very serious charges filed against Jung Ho Kang early Friday morning in Seoul, South Korea.
We are extremely disappointed in Jung Ho and in his decision process during this matter. I know firsthand how foolish and dangerous it is to drive under the influence and am most thankful that, as we understand it, no one was injured.
We will have further comment once we have been able to gather all of the relevant facts and speak with the player.
During the 2016 season, Kang was investigated by the Chicago Police Department for allegations of sexual assault.
Kang, 29, is going into the third year of a four-year contract with the Pirates that also includes an option for 2019. Last season, he batted .255/.354/.513 for Pittsburgh with 21 home runs in 103 games.
