KBO Umpire Lee Min-ho's Contract Terminated Over ABS Call Concealment Controversy

A controversy erupted during the NC Dinos vs. Samsung Lions game on April 14, 2024, at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, leading to the termination of KBO umpire Lee Min-ho's contract. The incident involved an attempt by the umpiring crew to conceal an Auto Ball-Strike (ABS) system call. Umpire Moon Seung-hoon declared a pitch as a ball despite the ABS system registering it as a strike, and subsequent discussions among the umpires to cover up the error were broadcast live, causing significant public outcry.

The problematic situation began in the bottom of the 3rd inning during Samsung player Lee Jae-hyun's at-bat when NC pitcher Lee Jae-hak's second pitch was called a ball by home plate umpire Moon Seung-hoon, even though the ABS monitor showed it as a strike. Despite NC manager Kang In-kwon's appeal, the umpires rejected it, citing the expiration of the appeal period. During this time, crew chief umpire Lee Min-ho was heard telling other umpires, "Say that you clearly heard it as a ball. That's the only way we can get out of this," which was picked up by broadcast microphones. Recognizing the severity of the matter, the KBO convened a personnel committee, resulting in Lee Min-ho's contract termination, a three-month suspension for Moon Seung-hoon with further personnel action, and a three-month suspension for third base umpire Choo Pyung-ho.

Bloggers criticized the incident for undermining the fairness of the world's first ABS system and exposing the authoritarian attitudes of the umpires. There was strong condemnation for the umpires' attempt to lie and evade responsibility rather than admitting their mistake. In response, the KBO is strengthening its ABS operational manual and plans to introduce equipment that allows dugouts and spectators to verify ABS calls in real-time to prevent similar incidents in the future.