Former Baseball Star Lee Dae-ho Vows Fair Selection for Son in 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain'

Former baseball player Lee Dae-ho, known for his cumulative salary of 42.9 billion won, has declared on 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain' that he will select players based on merit, without favoritism towards his son.

The upcoming KBS 2TV variety show 'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain' is set to premiere on April 12. The show's official YouTube channel recently released teaser videos featuring directors Park Yong-taek, Lee Dae-ho, Kim Tae-kyun, and Na Ji-wan. On the 20th, a second teaser was unveiled, showcasing thrilling moments from U-10 youth games and the first pre-meeting of the four directors. The teaser begins with childhood footage of Lee Jung-hoo and Won Tae-in, hinting at the rise of new superstars, and introduces 48 young heroes, setting the stage for an epic saga.

The legendary KBO figures Kim Tae-kyun, Na Ji-wan, Park Yong-taek, and Lee Dae-ho brought both humor and tension to their pre-meeting with a fierce battle of wits. These KBO legends will each form a team of youth players from their respective regions to compete in a league. As they gathered before the competition, the directors expressed their confidence with statements like "We will win no matter what" and "The energy feels good."

What Leadership Styles Will the KBO Legends Exhibit?

The distinct leadership styles of the four directors are particularly captivating. Park Yong-taek promotes 'autonomous baseball' with a gentle smile, encouraging players to "do whatever you want without worry," while Na Ji-wan displays a strict 'tiger coach' persona, telling players "It's okay to cry if you're frustrated."

Can Lee Dae-ho's Son Join the 'Busan Team' on Merit?

The regional team compositions also spark curiosity. Despite being labeled the weakest, Kim Tae-kyun, leading the Chungcheong youth team, shows determination, stating, "We will go with grit." Lee Dae-ho, confident in Busan's baseball legacy, is optimistic about victory. Notably, Lee Dae-ho's son, Lee Ye-seung, a youth player, is trying out for the team. Lee Dae-ho emphasized, "I will select players strictly based on skill, without favoritism towards my son," drawing attention to whether his son will make the team.

The league regulations have been established for the opening. Each team will consist of 12 players and 2 coaches, playing 6 games per season. The top team will earn the glory of being the 'Baseball Captain,' while the last-place team will undergo 'character deletion' and restructuring. To ensure a fair league, Park Yong-taek's Seoul region has agreed to adjust its boundaries. Anticipation builds to see which team—Little Twins, Little Giants, Little Eagles, or Little Tigers—will become the inaugural 'Baseball Captain.'

'Our Neighborhood Baseball Captain' premieres on April 12 at 9:20 PM.

Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr