Pittsburgh Pirates' Jung Ho Kang faces DUI charge in South Korea

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Jung Ho Kang was arrested in his native South Korea on charges of drunk driving and fleeing the scene.

"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 released by the team Thursday. "We are extremely disappointed in Jung Ho and in his decision process during this matter. I know first-hand 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."

Kang, 29, batted .255 with 21 homers in 103 games last season, the second of a four-year deal.

According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Kang was released after being charged. Biertempfel also reported Kang's blood-alcohol content was .084 according to the police report. The legal limit is South Korea is 0.05. Penalty for DUI can be a fine and three years in jail.

This is the second major legal issue Kang dealt with recently. During the 2016 season, Kang was investigated by the Chicago Police Department for allegations of sexual assault.