Lotte Giants have appointed Lee Dong-uk as their 22nd manager on a three-year contract worth a total of 2 billion won, featuring a signing bonus and an annual salary, mk.co.kr reported on Oct. 26. The Busan-born skipper takes charge of the KBO League club alongside newly appointed general manager Lee Taek-keun, as the organization restructures its front office and coaching staff to address defensive inconsistencies and pursue higher standings.
Busan Homecoming For The Former NC Dinos Manager
Lee Dong-uk began his professional career with the Lotte Giants in 1997 after being selected in the second round of the draft. Following his playing career, he worked as a defensive coach for Lotte, the LG Twins, and the NC Dinos. His managerial profile rose significantly in 2019 when he took charge of the NC Dinos, leading the club to the KBO League comprehensive championship in the 2020 season through data-driven operations and active communication with the roster.
In 2023, Lee completed a coaching internship with the rookie league affiliate of the San Diego Padres in Major League Baseball. By 2025, he was serving as a national team defensive coach and as a member of the KBO Fighting Power Strengthening Committee.
“I am glad to return to my home team Lotte where I started my professional career, and I have deep emotions,” Lee said regarding his appointment. “I will repay the fans waiting for results with smart baseball and a team color with solid fundamentals, built on data and trust.”
Front Office Restructuring Led By General Manager Lee Taek-keun
Alongside the managerial change, Lotte appointed former KBO Fighting Power Strengthening Committee member Lee Taek-keun as the club’s new general manager. Lee Taek-keun entered the KBO League in 2003 with the Hyundai Unicorns before spending 18 seasons as an outfielder for the Heroes and the LG Twins, alongside international duty for the South Korean national team.
Since retiring, Lee Taek-keun has worked in coaching development, as a baseball broadcaster, and on the strengthening committee. “I will approach it strategically based on player experience and strengthen depth so that the player corps can undergo tailored development according to their growth stage,” Lee Taek-keun stated. “I will do my utmost to support the field and front office so they can display professionalism in their respective areas and move in the same direction.”
Club Overhauls Operations to Elevate Team Standings
The club indicated that the twin appointments form part of a broader organizational blueprint to overhaul its operational body, which includes the scouting department. Management aims to elevate the team into the upper tier of the standings by introducing closer data sharing between the dugout and the front office, objective performance analysis, and targeted player development.
The formal inauguration ceremony for manager Lee Dong-uk is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time on the 31st at the Sapphire Room on the 41st floor of the Lotte Hotel Busan.
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