Following former professional baseball KT Wiz coach Lee Jong-beom, who has faced criticism for joining the entertainment program 'Strongest Baseball' during the season, former Kiwoom Heroes coach Oh Joo-won, who stepped down from his coaching position last month, is also causing a stir over his appearance on 'Strongest Baseball'.
In response, Oh Joo-won expressed his position directly on his social media on the 3rd. He stated, "I cannot discuss the reasons for my resignation, but I had a passion for the profession of coaching and still feel a lot of regret," adding, "I communicated to the club that I would step down after the first half, but the schedule was advanced by the club."
He also emphasized, "If I had resigned after finishing the season as I planned, I wouldn't have been able to appear on broadcasts," and said, "The coaching position and broadcasting activities are unrelated. Please refrain from speculating that I resigned for broadcasting purposes."
Oh Joo-won also mentioned the reason why he did not join 'Flame Baseball' instead of 'Strongest Baseball'. He said, "There are coaches I respect in Flame Baseball, as well as many seniors and juniors I like, and I have developed a strong bond with the production team."
He continued, "Just as I appeared in Season 1 at the suggestion of (Sim) Soo-chang, it's the same context this time. This is what I consider 'loyalty.'"
He also directly clarified his health status, responding to some concerns by saying, "Of course, my health isn't better than others, but I can manage and still exercise and work."
Oh Joo-won added that the only offer he received while currently taking a break was from 'Strongest Baseball.' He explained the background of his broadcasting appearance by saying, "There was no choice. "
Previously, Lee Jong-beom, who joined as the director of 'Strongest Baseball,' said, "I was aware that 'Strongest Baseball' contributes to the popularity of Korean baseball, and I consulted with director Lee Kang-chul. He kindly understood my thoughts, and thanks to that, I was able to take on a new challenge."
He also explained the background for accepting the coaching position, stating, "If 'Strongest Baseball' makes a comeback, it can provide opportunities for more retired players, and I also wanted to be part of that challenge."
Director Lee Jong-beom emphasized, "Even though the stage of 'Strongest Baseball' is an entertainment program, it contains the passion and sincerity of retired players in baseball," and he mentioned that, "Plans are also in place to support youth baseball and amateur baseball, which can have a positive impact on Korean baseball overall."
He stated the reason was a choice for the advancement of baseball, but criticism that it was a feeble excuse continues unabated.
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