Korea Professional Baseball fans and players are "up in arms" over the Korea Baseball Organization's decision not to add a tenth team to the league, according to Jung Min-ho of the KOREA TIMES. Suwon and North Jeolla Province were both "vying to host the expansion team." Suwon Sports Industry Dir Baek Un-ou said, "I was totally shocked by the KBO’s decision. As soon as the news broke, calls from angry fans started pouring in." Baek added, "I think the reasons for the decision make no sense, given that the local government has shown a strong will to make it happen through its pledges of improving the conditions of amateur baseball as well as carrying out major construction to enhance the current baseball stadium in Suwon with a 29B won ($2.5M) budget." The players union announced that players will boycott the 2013 World Baseball Classic and the All-Star Game in July. The Korea Professional Baseball Players Association said that it "will soon hold a special meeting to prepare necessary countermeasures." If the KPBPA proceeds with the boycott, "huge operational challenges will hinder" the WBC and All-Star Game (KOREA TIMES, 6/20).
