Lee Tae-geun Named New Manager of the Lotte Giants
Former professional baseball player Lee Tae-geun has been appointed as the new manager of the Lotte Giants, transitioning out of his recent roles in media and reality television, starnewskorea.com reported on Jan. 26. The appointment brings a familiar face from the KBO’s Talent Development Committee into the dugout of the Busan-based club as the organization prepares for the upcoming season.
The transition makes it unclear whether he will continue participating in the popular baseball variety show "Bulkkot Baseball," where he currently plays for the Bulkkot Fighters. Studio C1 producer Jang Si-won revealed details of a lighthearted exchange on social media regarding whether Lee would take the field one final time before formally stepping into his new KBO managerial responsibilities.
Social Media Exchange Sparks Discussion Over a Final Variety Show Appearance
Shortly after the Lotte Giants announced his hiring on Jan. 26, Jang Si-won, the producer directing “Bulkkot Baseball,” published a screenshot of a conversation with Lee on his social media channels. In the messages, Lee asked the producer to let him play one more game once his new appointment became official. Jang responded with “0.228”—a playful nod to Lee’s career batting average—eliciting laughter before adding confirmation that a farewell ceremony would be arranged for the player.
Lee’s shift from active participant on the show to professional manager makes changes to his variety schedule unavoidable. The exchange brought immediate public attention to how the production will handle his departure from the Bulkkot Fighters roster and whether a farewell match will precede his full-time duties with the Giants.
Eighteen Years in Professional Baseball Prepares Lee for Giants Role
Lee’s baseball career spans nearly two decades in the KBO League after he was selected by the Hyundai Unicorns in the third round of the 1999 secondary draft, going 24th overall before making his first-team debut in 2003. Over 18 professional seasons through 2020, he played for several franchises, including the Hyundai Unicorns, the Heroes, the LG Twins, and the Nexen Kiwoom Heroes.
Following his retirement as an active player, Lee built a diverse resume within the sport. He worked in coaching development, served as a broadcast commentator for TVING, and contributed to the KBO’s Talent Development Committee. Before accepting the Lotte managerial post, those roles kept him deeply connected to both the analytical side of the game and its fanbase.
Lotte Giants Hire Lee as New Manager
The Lotte Giants confirmed the hiring on Jan. 26, noting Lee’s recent administrative experience with the KBO’s Talent Development Committee as a key qualification for the managerial post. The club has not yet announced the exact date of his formal introductory press conference or the final roster adjustments that will accompany his arrival at the franchise.
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