Lee Jong-beom Reflects on ‘Choi Gang Baseball’ Controversy: A Candid Look at His Choices

Lee Jong-beom / Photo: DB

[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young] Lee Jong-beom, the former KT Wiz coach, addressed the controversy surrounding JTBC’s Ultimate Baseball and made clear he wants to return to the dugout.

Lee appeared on MBC SPORTS+’Behind’ on the 6th. When anchor Park So-young suggested that offering an explanation now might put him at ease, Lee opened up about the choices he’d made.

He said he took on JTBC’s Ultimate Baseball last June, but the process didn’t go smoothly and he acted without sufficient reflection. He said he deeply regrets that decision.

Lee accepted responsibility, saying he made the wrong choice and must face the consequences. \”It was very difficult,\” he added, explaining he has spent a lot of time thinking and has a plan in mind to move forward and live diligently.

Lee Jong-beom joined KT in October 2024 as the first-team outfield defense and baserunning coach at manager Lee Kang-cheol’s request. But in June 2025, while the club was still competing in the standings, he left before the first half concluded.

He left to helm JTBC’s variety show Ultimate Baseball. It was highly unusual for a pro-team coach to depart midseason — not to manage another professional club but to appear on an entertainment program — and both Lee and JTBC drew heavy criticism from the baseball community.

Lee chose the high-profile entertainment role over his pro coaching career, but the show effectively ended, leaving the move feeling like a missed opportunity.

He said he wouldn’t have made that choice had he known the outcome. The stress even triggered vitiligo, he added. \”It was my decision, so I have to live with it. I’ll accept it humbly and show people that I’m working hard,\” he said.

He also apologized to the KT players. As a coach, he often felt there were specific fixes that could help a player perform better, and he regretted not being able to work on those areas. \”I feel very sorry to the players,\” he said.

He reiterated his desire to return to the field. Lee said he’s considering how to get back into the game and that if someone calls, he’ll accept without hesitation. \”I’ve made mistakes, so I need to figure out how to win back fans and people in the baseball world. I believe the only way is to work hard, do things the right way and earn their recognition,\” he said firmly.

[Sports Today reporter Shin Seo-young sports@stoo.com]
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