Former 'kt Wiz' (hereafter 'kt') coach Lee Jong-beom transferred to entertainment during the season. He will take on the role of head coach for JTBC's 'Strongest Baseball'.
JTBC officially announced the appointment of Lee Jong-beom as coach on the 30th. He unexpectedly resigned from his coaching position at kt on the 28th, choosing a path in an entertainment program while the team was actively competing for rankings.
The 'Strongest Baseball' team released a statement two days later. "We sincerely apologize for causing inconvenience to the club and baseball fans due to a rushed recruitment process as a result of copyright infringement issues," they stated.
Coach Lee Jong-beom expressed, "I decided to participate in this program, which has a good purpose of contributing to the popularity of Korean baseball and the reevaluation of retired players."
He also shared his joining process. "The responsible PD made a proposal for the head coach in early June during an evening meeting. I declined it since I was still a current coach. However, I received contact from retired juniors a few days later."
He continued, "I was asked to be the center point to lead 'Strongest Baseball'. After several days of contemplation, I consulted with kt's coach Lee Kang-cheol. He generously understood my situation, which led me to take on this challenge."
Lee Jong-beom believed that the coaching vacuum was manageable. "When I received the proposal, the club was in a situation where they had stepped back to allow competent junior coaches to grow," he remarked.
He mentioned, "The junior coaches are doing very well, and I was concerned my presence could be a burden. It was a burden for me as well, and Coach Lee understood this."
He stated that it was a decision made for his juniors. "Some juniors are enjoying their second prime and are well-loved. However, many others are not in that situation. 'Strongest Baseball' can provide opportunities by coming together," he pointed out.
He added, "I wanted to take on that challenge, which is why I accepted the head coach position." He emphasized, "The decision to leave the club mid-season was not made lightly. I deliberated for several days."
He mentioned that the kt management supported him. "Rather than worrying about the team's performance, I had more worries for my close junior (Lee Jong-beom) regarding his baseball career. I hoped he would take the path of a genuine leader."
He understood the fans' criticisms as well. "I knew that my decision could be criticized as an unusual move in the baseball community," he stated, adding, "I would like to express my apologies to the kt fans."
Lee Jong-beom recognized the potential backlash of accepting the 'Strongest Baseball' head coach position. "I knew I could receive a lot of criticism for accepting this role. If I solely wanted to be a head coach, I wouldn’t have chosen this path. This decision is for the baseball boom in Korea," he clarified.
He mentioned, "I don’t see 'Strongest Baseball' as being completely different from professional baseball just because it's an entertainment program. It helps lead retired players to new challenges and advances the baseball community."
In conclusion, he stated, "If we can revitalize 'Strongest Baseball', it can lead to a substantial baseball boom in Korea. I also promise support for youth baseball and amateur baseball. I will bring passionate baseball to it."
Meanwhile, 'Strongest Baseball' is a program where retired professional baseball players come together to challenge baseball once more. PD Jang Si-won had led it to season 3. However, conflicts over appearance fees with JTBC arose.
PD Jang launched 'Fire Baseball' with the existing cast. Despite JTBC's video deletions and other issues, 'Fire Baseball' has reached over 300,000 viewers and continues to be popular with sold-out venues.
JTBC has begun producing 'Strongest Baseball' in-house from season 4, placing Lee Jong-beom at the helm to compete with 'Fire Baseball'. The new season is scheduled to air in September, with the cast to be announced later.
<Photo Source=kt Wiz>
