"Knew I'd Get Criticized, But It's a Challenge": Lee Jong-beom Joins 'Strongest Baseball' Instead of KT Wiz

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Former KT Wiz coach Lee Jong-beom has made a mid-season move to entertainment, taking on the role of manager for JTBC's reality show 'Strongest Baseball.'

JTBC officially announced Lee Jong-beom's appointment as manager on June 30th. Lee Jong-beom had abruptly resigned from his KT coaching position on June 28th, choosing a variety show gig over a team actively contending for a top spot.

The 'Strongest Baseball' production team issued a statement two days later, saying, "We sincerely apologize for causing inconvenience to the club and baseball fans unintentionally during the urgent casting process due to copyright infringement issues."

Lee Jong-beom's Rationale and Journey to 'Strongest Baseball'

Lee Jong-beom, the new manager of 'Strongest Baseball,' stated, "I decided to participate in a new role in a program that has a good purpose: contributing to the growth and expansion of Korean baseball and re-highlighting retired players."

He also shared details about his decision-making process: "The producing director offered me the managerial position at a dinner in early June. I declined, as I was a current coach. However, a few days later, I received calls from retired junior players."

He continued, "They asked me to be the focal point and lead 'Strongest Baseball.' After deliberating for several days, I discussed it with KT manager Lee Kang-chul. Manager Lee generously understood, which allowed me to take on this challenge."

Lee Jong-beom explained that he believed the coaching void would be manageable. "When I received the offer, the team was coincidentally stepping back to allow the growth of capable junior coaches," he remarked.

"My existence might have become a burden to the junior coaches who are doing so well. It was a burden for me too, and Manager Lee understood this," he added.

He framed his decision as being for his juniors. "Some juniors are enjoying their second prime and receiving love. But many other juniors are not. 'Strongest Baseball,' when united, can provide opportunities," he noted.

He further explained, "I accepted the managerial position because I wanted to take on this challenge with them. The decision to leave the team mid-season was not an easy one. I deliberated for several days."

Lee Jong-beom also stated that the KT manager supported him, saying, "Rather than worrying about the team's power leak, he worried a lot about his close junior's (Lee Jong-beom's) baseball career. He wished for me to continue on the path of a traditional leader."

He acknowledged and understood the criticism from fans. "I knew my decision might be criticized as an unusual move in the baseball world," he said, apologizing, "I also want to tell the KT fans that I am sorry."

Lee Jong-beom emphasized, "I knew that accepting the 'Strongest Baseball' manager position could draw a lot of criticism. If I only wanted a managerial position, I wouldn't have chosen this. This decision is for the Korean baseball boom."

He added, "I don't think 'Strongest Baseball' is an entirely different world from professional baseball just because it's entertainment. It leads retired players to new challenges and also helps the development of the baseball world."

Finally, he concluded, "I believe that if 'Strongest Baseball' thrives, it can significantly boost the Korean baseball boom. We have also promised support for youth baseball and amateur baseball. I will bring passionate baseball."

'Strongest Baseball' and Its Rivalry

'Strongest Baseball' is a program where retired professional baseball players challenge themselves in baseball once again. Producer Jang Si-won led the show until Season 3, but conflicts arose with JTBC regarding appearance fees and other issues.

Producer Jang subsequently launched a rival show, 'Blazing Baseball,' with the original cast members. Despite JTBC's actions, including deleting videos, 'Blazing Baseball' remains popular, exceeding 300,000 peak viewers and selling out live events.

JTBC has now begun self-producing 'Strongest Baseball' from Season 4. By appointing Lee Jong-beom as manager, they are setting up a direct confrontation with 'Blazing Baseball.' The new season is expected to air in September, with the cast members to be revealed later.