[instiz] SUGA VS JANG WON-SAM’S POST-DUI APOLOGY

Hello,  

This is Jang Won-sam.  

First of all, I sincerely bow my head and apologize for delivering bad news.

As reported, it is true that I was involved in a DUI minor collision.  

There are no excuses.  

I sincerely apologize for disappointing you.

I deeply regret causing harm to the person involved in the accident yesterday, their family, acquaintances, fans, the broadcasting staff I’m currently working with, the director, the players, fans, sponsors, and advertisers. I am truly sorry for causing concern and trouble with my personal mistake.

I intended to apologize quickly due to my own faults and regrets for disappointing so many people, but having only focused on sports my whole life, I didn’t know how to handle this alone.  

To be honest, I was also very scared.

Even though I intended to take responsibility and apologize, I was concerned that simply saying “I’m sorry” would seem irresponsible. I wanted to properly address everything, which is why I couldn’t apologize right away. I’m sorry for that as well.

Many people, through media reports and personal social media, have wondered exactly what happened. I will tell you honestly without hiding anything.

On the day before the accident, August 16, after meeting with acquaintances in Changwon, we started a late drinking session. As usual, I didn’t drive since I knew I would be drinking.

In Changwon, we first met at a meat restaurant, then moved to a soup restaurant. Before taking a taxi for the third round, I had one more beer with an acquaintance at a convenience store. I arrived home by taxi at 3:37 AM. All the details can be verified through payment records, and I am willing to share them if requested.

On the day of the accident, I had a meeting in Busan, so I left home around noon with my car. That’s when the collision happened.

Although I did not drink on the day of the accident, if there was still alcohol in my system, I should have called a taxi, asked someone to accompany me, or used public transportation. However, thinking that it would be fine since I had slept enough after drinking the night before, I made the careless decision to drive, which led to the accident. After the collision, I was stopped by passing police officers, who conducted a breathalyzer test, which concluded that I was driving under the influence of alcohol from the previous night.

I deeply regret my careless thoughts and actions, and I sincerely apologize to the person involved in the accident. I also apologize again to the fans, the broadcasting staff, the director, the players, the sponsors, and the advertisers for disappointing and inconveniencing them.

From my time as a player until now, with Hyundai, Heroes, Samsung, LG, Lotte, and even my current involvement with *The Strongest Baseball,* I have been able to endure difficult times thanks to the support of so many people.

I sincerely apologize for causing harm and disappointment to everyone due to my mistake. I am also deeply disappointed in myself.

Even after my retirement, I continued to receive much interest and love, thanks to the help of all the members and fans of *The Strongest Baseball.* Once again, I sincerely bow my head and apologize.

I believe the right thing to do is to take responsibility and voluntarily step down. However, I also think it would be wrong to unilaterally announce my resignation without proper communication, so I will personally meet with the PD and the director to explain the situation and apologize, and I will take appropriate responsibility.

I have many fond memories not only as a player but also as Jang Won-sam. I am grateful, and I feel even more sorry because I should have continued to bring joy to everyone with more activities. I sincerely bow my head and apologize for disappointing you.

There will be a police investigation next week. I will fully admit my mistakes and reflect on them without any falsehoods. I am truly sorry.  

I am just sorry. Sincerely.