Lee Jong-beom Addresses Controversy Over Joining 'Strongest Baseball' Mid-Season

Lee Jong-beom, who previously served as a coach for the KT Wiz in the Korean professional baseball league, has stirred controversy by leaving the team mid-season to join the cast of the JTBC variety show '최강야구' (Strongest Baseball). In an interview with JTBC on June 30, he acknowledged, "I knew I would face criticism for this decision."

Lee explained that he was approached by several retired players who asked him to take the lead on 'Strongest Baseball,' prompting him to deliberate for several days. He recognized the show's significant role in promoting Korean professional baseball and consulted with KT's head coach Lee Kang-cheol, who was understanding of his position, allowing Lee to embark on this new challenge.

Expressing his regret to fans, Lee stated, "I want to sincerely apologize. Leaving the team mid-season was not an easy decision. I spent days contemplating the offer, worried about the implications of my choice." He was aware that his departure could be seen as a gap for the team and a controversial move within the baseball community.

When he received the offer to direct 'Strongest Baseball,' he had already stepped back to allow younger coaches to grow, fearing that his presence might be a burden to them. He noted that accepting the director role would likely lead to backlash, but he believed that revitalizing 'Strongest Baseball' could significantly boost the popularity of Korean baseball.

Lee emphasized that the new season of 'Strongest Baseball' promises to support youth and amateur baseball, stating, "This is an opportunity to lead retired players in a new challenge and contribute to the development of baseball. I don’t see it as a completely different world from professional baseball; I will strive to bring passionate and sincere baseball to the show."

In related news, Lee Jong-beom is set to join the next season of 'Strongest Baseball,' which is currently restructuring its cast following conflicts with the previous production team, leading to the departure of key figures like coach Kim Sung-keun and players Lee Dae-ho, Park Yong-taek, and Jung Geun-woo.