The Lotte Giants have rarely been out of the headlines this season, but the past week has been especially eventful for the Busan-based baseball club. Between the much-anticipated return of a young, controversial infielder and a new partnership with a global sportswear giant, Lotte fans have plenty to talk about as May gets underway!
Let’s start with the story that’s had KBO circles buzzing for months: the comeback of Kim Se-min. Drafted as the 28th overall pick in 2022, Kim Se-min was once viewed as a promising prospect with the potential to become a core player for the Giants. His 2023 campaign in the Futures League saw him hit .305 with an OPS of .856, racking up 43 hits, 3 home runs, and 26 RBIs in 52 games. Not too shabby for a player looking to prove himself after a quiet rookie year, right?
But Kim’s journey has been anything but smooth. After resolving his mandatory military service quickly, he returned to the Lotte organization in 2024 and posted a solid .265 batting average with 5 home runs and 28 RBIs over 67 games in the Futures League. That performance was impressive enough to earn him a spot at the Giants’ first-team spring training camp in Tainan, Taiwan for the 2026 season—a clear sign that the coaching staff, led by manager Kim Tae-hyung, saw something special in him.
Manager Kim didn’t hesitate to single out Kim Se-min when asked about the shortstop position during spring camp. According to Kim Tae-hyung, “Kim Se-min is looking good. His baseball skills are higher than I expected.” High praise from a skipper known for his high standards.
Yet, just as Kim seemed poised for a breakout, controversy struck. During that very spring camp in Tainan, Kim Se-min, along with teammates Go Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Dong-hyeok, was found to have visited a gambling arcade—an act strictly prohibited by KBO regulations. While initial reports focused on three players, a subsequent internal review by the Giants confirmed Kim Se-min’s involvement, leading to his immediate recall to Korea and a 30-game suspension handed down by the KBO.
It was a bitter pill for both player and club. For Kim, the spring camp was supposed to be a golden opportunity to introduce himself to first-team fans and coaches, but instead, his name was splashed across headlines for all the wrong reasons. The infielder’s chance at redemption seemed to vanish overnight.
But here’s where the story takes a twist. Despite the off-field incident, the Giants’ coaching staff, including Kim Tae-hyung, decided not to turn their backs on Kim Se-min. The team’s leadership made it clear that while discipline was necessary, they were still willing to offer a second chance to a young player who’d shown real growth and potential on the diamond. This decision wasn’t made lightly, especially given the fact that Go Seung-min and Na Seung-yeop—both considered key contributors—were also involved in the scandal.
As of May 3, 2026, the Lotte Giants completed their 30th game of the season, officially ending the suspensions for Kim Se-min, Go Seung-min, and Na Seung-yeop. All three are now eligible for call-ups to the first team starting May 4. While it was always expected that Go and Na would return immediately, the decision to bring Kim Se-min back as well is a clear signal of the organization’s faith in his abilities. Even if he’s not penciled in as a starter, the Giants believe he can offer valuable depth as an infield backup.
With the first team roster in flux, the pressure’s now on Kim Se-min to justify that faith. He’ll need to outperform current backup options like Han Tae-yang and Lee Ho-jun if he wants to stick around. The message from the front office is clear: the opportunity is there, but it’s up to Kim to seize it. The real test will come once he’s back in the dugout, facing live KBO pitching under the bright lights. Will he rise above his past and become the player Lotte hoped for on draft day? Only time will tell, but fans and coaches alike will be watching closely.
Off the field, the Giants have also been making waves—this time with their fans in mind. On May 3, Lotte announced a high-profile collaboration with global sports brand Descente to launch a special edition running shoe. It’s a savvy move that combines baseball culture with everyday athletic wear, and it’s designed to let fans carry a piece of the Giants’ spirit with them, whether they’re in the stands or out for a jog.
The new running shoe draws inspiration from the club’s home uniform, featuring the iconic ivory color as its main design element. According to the team, the shoe is built for versatility, suitable for everything from light road running to casual outdoor adventures. Comfort and stability are at the forefront, with a fit designed to please a wide range of fans. Sizes will be available from 230mm to 300mm, in 5mm increments, ensuring that men, women, and even younger fans can find their perfect pair.
Sales kick off with a reservation-only pre-order period from May 4 to May 10, exclusively on the club’s official online shop, LotteON. For those who prefer to try before they buy, the shoes will be on display at the Saji Stadium’s offline store starting June 5, giving supporters a chance to check out the design and craftsmanship up close.
This collaboration is about more than just footwear—it’s part of a broader effort to strengthen the connection between the Giants and their fanbase. By offering products that blend team identity with everyday utility, the club is betting that fans will embrace the Giants’ brand far beyond the ballpark. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to show off a pair of kicks that celebrate their favorite team?
As the Giants navigate a season filled with both challenges and opportunities, these stories—the redemption arc of Kim Se-min and the launch of the Descente running shoe—capture the spirit of a club determined to move forward. Whether it’s on the field or in the community, Lotte is giving its fans plenty of reasons to stay engaged.
With the suspension saga now behind them and a fresh wave of energy from new product launches, all eyes are on how Kim Se-min and his teammates respond. The next few weeks promise to be pivotal, both for the young infielder aiming to rewrite his narrative and for a franchise eager to turn the page. The stage is set, and the Giants are ready to see what comes next.