SEOUL: The 2024 South Korean baseball champions, the Kia Tigers, announced on Sunday the extension of manager Lee Bum-ho’s contract for three more years. This decision follows closely on the heels of Lee leading the Tigers to victory in the Korean Series against the Samsung Lions, marking a successful first season at the helm.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Bum-ho, aged 42, will earn a total of 2.6 billion won (approximately US$1.88 million) under the new contract, which replaces the second year of his previous two-year, 900 million-won agreement signed in February. The revised contract comprises an annual salary of 1.5 billion won, a signing bonus of 500 million won, and 600 million won in incentives, positioning Lee as the highest-paid manager in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).

Lee’s promotion from hitting coach to manager came in February following the dismissal of former manager Kim Jong-kook, who was embroiled in bribery allegations. As the youngest manager in the KBO this year, Lee led th
e Tigers to an impressive regular season record of 87-55-2, securing a direct entry into the Korean Series.

In the championship series, the Tigers triumphed over the second-seeded Lions in five games. During the decisive match on Monday, the Tigers overcame a 5-0 deficit to win 7-5, maintaining an undefeated streak in their 12 Korean Series appearances.

In a statement released by the Tigers, Lee expressed gratitude for the club’s support, stating, “I’d like to thank the club for the support that allowed us to lift the championship trophy. I want to reward the team for their show of faith. I will try to win another title during my time here.”