Korean Baseball Organization Suspends Pitchers Lim Chang Yong, Oh Seung Hwan For Illegally Gambling In Macau

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), the governing body of South Korea's professional baseball leagues, has announced the suspension of two former Samsung Lions baseball players on Friday following allegations that they were involved in illegal overseas gambling.

33-year-old Oh Seung Hwan and 39-year-old Lim Chang Yong, currently free agents, have been subjected to a 72-game ban or half a season suspension because of participating in illegal gambling activities in Macau, The Korea JoongAng Daily reported. The report said the two gambled more than $33,000 on Nov.14 in violation of South Korea's existing law that prohibits gambling outside its borders.

The organization's decision was made during a committee meeting to deliberate and determine the particular punishment imposable on the two players.

In a statement posted on KBO's website, the organization said it decided to suspend the players for half a season should they decide to play in KBO's minor and major leagues.

Earlier last year, "prosecutors sought a summary order against the two pitchers and asked a local court to impose [$5,848] each in fines" after it was decided that "their actions constituted a summary offense," Yahoo News reported Friday.

According to the Korea Times, Lim Chang Yong was released from the Samsung Lions while his case was still under investigation. On the other hand, Oh Seung Hwan won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games and recorded 277 saves with the Samsung Lions in nine seasons.

Furthermore, the KBO clarified that the penalties shall only take effect if the two players decide to play this season.