The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has decided not to penalize Sangmu pitcher Kim Ki-jung (whose original team is the Hanwha Eagles), who was ejected during a Futures League (minor league) game for allegedly using a foreign substance.

The KBO announced that after collecting and inspecting Kim's glove, it was confirmed that the substance in question was the inner adhesive of the glove melting due to intense heat and leaking out through the lace holes.

Kim was ejected on the 25th during a Futures League game against the Goyang Heroes at the Goyang National Baseball Training Center in Gyeonggi Province after a foreign substance was found on his glove.

Kim is the first player in professional baseball, encompassing both the first and second tiers, to be ejected for possessing a foreign substance.

Under KBO regulations, Kim was automatically scheduled to receive a 10-game suspension.

However, following the KBO's additional investigation, it was revealed that the substance was not applied intentionally for illegal pitching, but rather melted glove adhesive, allowing him to avoid the suspension.

To prevent similar cases in the future, the KBO has notified all clubs that players should independently check their equipment and bodies for foreign substances and have them verified by the officiating crew if there is any doubt.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)