Lee Jong-beom Opens Up About Joining 'Strong Baseball': 'I Knew I'd Face Criticism'

Former baseball legend Lee Jong-beom has shared his thoughts on joining the JTBC variety show 'Strong Baseball' as its new manager, acknowledging the criticism he faced.

During the broadcast on the 22nd, Lee stated, "I went through a difficult time, and it wasn't an easy decision to accept the manager position." He continued, "I knew I would receive a lot of backlash for taking this role, but I saw it as an opportunity to further boost the popularity of Korean baseball."

Lee apologized to fans who might have felt disappointed by his departure from professional baseball after 32 years. He emphasized the program's commitment to supporting youth and amateur baseball, asserting that 'Strong Baseball' is a serious endeavor, not just entertainment. "All the players compete with professional pride," Lee declared, vowing to unite the team with his 'elder brother's leadership' to achieve victory.

His decision to join 'Strong Baseball' led to his resignation from the KT Wiz coaching position mid-season, which drew criticism from fans and the industry. At the time, Lee had explained, "If I had only wanted a manager role, I wouldn't have chosen 'Strong Baseball'." He expressed a desire to provide more opportunities for fellow former players through the struggling show.

The new season features Lee as manager, with Jang Sung-ho and Shim Soo-chang as coaches, alongside legendary players like Kim Tae-kyun and Lee Dae-hyung. However, the season premiere garnered a viewership rating of 1.491%, lower than the previous season's start. This is attributed to a dispute between the broadcaster and production company, leading to a new cast after the original members moved to a different program.

Lee Jong-beom is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in Korean baseball history, with his performance during his active career leaving a lasting impression on many fans. His nickname, 'Son of the Wind,' reflects his remarkable speed and exceptional batting skills. Even after retiring as a player, he continues to be actively involved in the baseball world as a coach and a media personality.