PITTSBURGH -- Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after driving under the influence of alcohol in Seoul, South Korea, early Friday morning.
The accident and arrest reportedly took place at 2:48 a.m. Korea Standard Time. No one was injured in the accident, according to a report by the Korean Yonhap News Agency, and Kang was released from the Gangnam police station after he was charged.
"We have been made aware of the very serious charges filed against Jung Ho Kang early Friday morning in Seoul, South Korea," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said in a statement. "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."
According to the Yonhap News report, Kang had a blood-alcohol level of 0.084, slightly above the United States' legal limit (0.08) but well above the local legal limit of 0.05, when the 29-year-old crashed his car into a guard rail.
Kang issued the following apology through his management company, Leeco Sports Agency:
"I'd like to apologize to everyone who is disappointed in me. Today, I got behind the wheel after drinking, and committed an irrevocable mistake. I panicked at the moment of the accident and did something that I never should have done.
"I am deeply regretting the incident. I will humbly accept whatever punishment is deemed fit for my actions."
It is possible Kang could be punished by Major League Baseball or the Pirates, though the extent of any potential punishment is unclear. This is his second legal incident this year. The Chicago Police Department investigated Kang after a sexual assault allegation was made against him regarding an alleged incident in June. No charges have been filed in that case, which has not yet been resolved.