Lee Jong-bum Explains controversial Move to ‘Strong Baseball’
Seoul, South Korea – July 1, 2025 – Former baseball coach Lee jong-bum has addressed the controversy surrounding his mid-season departure to lead JTBC’s “Strong Baseball,” a broadcast program. His decision, considered highly unusual in the Korean baseball world, prompted significant discussion and potential criticism.
Lee Jong-bum stated he wouldn’t have accepted the role if his sole intention was to simply observe the director. he stressed his involvement wasn’t a casual decision made for entertainment purposes. He revealed he was approached by former players who encouraged him to take on the challenge, a proposition he initially hesitated over for days.
“Thanks to the generous understanding of the position, I have come to a new challenge,” Lee Jong-bum explained. He also expressed regret to fans for leaving his club mid-season, acknowledging the difficulty of such a move.
Recognizing the potential backlash from the baseball community regarding his unconventional choice, Lee Jong-bum admitted the decision weighed heavily on him. He considered the potential impact on his team and factored it into his final judgment.
