Korean golfer Bio Kim’s suspension for obscene gesture reduced to one-year ban

The saga of suspended Korean PGA golfer Bio Kim has taken a positive turn for the pro golfer, as his three-year suspension has been reduced to just one year, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The reduction was announced by the Korean PGA Wednesday, following a meeting by the KPGA’s board of directors. Kim was originally handed the three-year suspension after flipping off the crowd during an event on Sept. 29. Kim won the event, but his response to a fan’s cell phone sound earned him a career-threatening dismissal.

Kim made a very somber, public apology shortly after, but the decision stood and he accepted it. This enraged many fans in the United States, where such a gesture is not considered as serious an act. Korean-American pro Kevin Na was among those who spoke out avidly in favor of Kim.

Despite his ban being reduced, Kim will still have to pay the original fine he received — the equivalent of $8,350 — and will be required to complete 120 hours of community service before being eligible to play on the KPGA again.

To receive GOLF’s all-new newsletters, subscribe for free here.