600 million down payment in 3 years – 600 million annual salary
KT “Create a strong team by establishing a one-man team”
Lee Kang-cheol (57-photo)
Who led the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to a second-place finish in the regular season, is set to
receive the highest paycheck for an active manager. “We have signed a three-year contract with Lee for
a total of 2.4 billion won ($600 million in down payment and $600 million in annual salary),” KT
announced on Nov. 11. Previously, SSG manager Kim Won-hyung, 51, was the highest-paid manager in the
game, re-signing for three years for a total of 2.2 billion won after winning the Korean Series last year.
“Since he first took the helm in 2019, he has established a ‘one-team’ culture through active
communication with the players and has grown the team into a powerhouse in a short period of time,” KT
said in explaining the reasoning behind the re-signing.
The only time KT failed to reach the postseason during Lee’s tenure was in 2019, his first year in charge. In
2020, the team reached the postseason for the first time since its inception (2015), earning Lee a three-
year, 2 billion won contract extension before his original deal expired. In 2021, he led the team to its first Korean Series title.
Lee again provided leadership this year
Guiding the team from last place (10th) with 18 wins, two draws and 30 losses (0.375 winning percentage) through June 14 to second place (79 wins, three draws and 62 losses – 0.560 winning percentage) as of the 10th. KT punched its ticket to the playoffs with a 5-4 thriller over Doosan in the final game of the regular season on June 10. Since June 16, KT (0.655) has a better winning percentage than even the top team in the regular season, LG (0.608). With foreign pitcher Schuler, 29, struggling early in the season, Lee recalled Cuevas, 33, who left the team last year due to injury, on June 9. Cuevas led the team to a 12-0 record with a 2.60 ERA.
The manager, who will lead KT until 2026, said, “I was able to achieve good results because of the club’s generous support and efforts. I am grateful to the club. I will continue to coach the team with a sense of responsibility.” 카지노사이트존