Lotte Giants name title-winning skipper as new manager

DAEGU, October 26 (Yonhap) -- Lotte Giants have appointed a victorious former player, Lee Dong-wook, as their new manager on a three-year contract worth 2 billion won. The 52-year-old received a signing bonus of 500 million won and will earn 500 million won annually. Lee, born and raised in Busan, spent his entire professional career with the Giants from 1997 to 2003.

He was recently the manager of the Dinos, guiding them to their maiden Korean Series title in 2020. Lee's data-driven approach and ability to communicate effectively have earned him praise. The current Giants, who have not qualified for the postseason since 2017, were managed by Kim Tae-hyoung before his contract expired. Lee expressed his happiness to return to his hometown team, vowing to use data and player trust to improve the team's fundamentals.

The Giants have also appointed Lee Taek-geun as their new general manager, who, although not having prior front office or coaching experience, plans to utilize his playing background to nurture young talent and enhance the team's depth.