Former KIA Tigers manager Kim Jong-guk, 51, who is under investigation for alleged malpractice, appeared at the court and was questioned. KIA started selecting its successor.

Before his arrest, Kim attended an interrogation of a suspect at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-dong, Seoul, on Thursday morning. When asked if he admits to receiving money from his sponsor company or why he did not inform the club about the case, Kim did not give any answer. Jang Jung-seok (51), the former head of Kia, who entered the court earlier, also remained silent.

Even after the investigation, the two remained silent on a series of questions from reporters. Kim and Jang immediately moved to the Seoul detention center through the prosecution's vehicle.

Jang stepped down in March last year after he was found to have demanded back money during free agency negotiations with KIA Tigers' Park Dong-won. The Korea Baseball Organization requested an investigation, and in the process, it was newly confirmed that Kim and Jang received bribes from a coffee company that sponsored the team. Kim reportedly received 100 million won and Jang tens of millions of won on several occasions. Prosecutors are investigating whether the money was paid in return.

The KIA team took swift actions. After confirming that Kim was the subject of investigation on last Saturday, the team suspended him from duty on last Friday after an internal meeting, and fired him the next day. KIA's coaching staff left for Canberra, Australia, on last Saturday and its team left for its first field training site, on last week. For now, the spring camp will be led by Jin Gap-yong, the team's chief coach.

Kia has started to appoint a new head coach instead of serving as acting coach. "I am thinking about who will lead the team the best regardless of internal and external personnel matters," Kia's general manager Shim Jae-hak said. "I am making the selection with great care. I will not hurry."  스포츠토토

A wide range of figures are being sought after as the next coach. Among legends from KIA, former LG Twins coach Lee Jong-beom is considered a strong candidate. Lee was mentioned as a candidate for the head coach recently, but he did not get appointed. He recently boarded a plane to the U.S. to train as a coach, but he has a good chance of accepting his request.

LG coach Lee Ho-joon, a former Tigers player, will also be criticized. There are also candidates with leadership experience, including former NC Dinos coach Lee Dong-wook and former SSG Landers coach Kim Won-hyung.

Another possibility of internal promotion is being discussed. batting coach Lee Bum-ho is receiving good reviews both inside and outside the club. Senior coach Jin Gap-yong is also well versed in internal situations of the club.