Lee Jong-beom apologizes over joining 'A Clean Sweep' controversy: "I was thoughtless, I regret it so much it gave me vitiligo"

[Financial News] Former baseball player Lee Jong-beom has issued a direct apology over the controversy surrounding his decision to join the variety show "A Clean Sweep."
Lee Jong-beom appeared on MBC Sports+ program "Beyond the Base" that aired on the 6th.
On the show, Lee said, "When I took on 'A Clean Sweep' last June, the process did not go smoothly," adding, "I was thoughtless, and I regretted it a lot," as he opened up about how he felt.
He continued, "Because it was the wrong choice, I have to accept the consequences," but added, "The process after that was extremely difficult. I have been doing a lot of thinking and making plans for the future."
Revealing that he even developed symptoms of vitiligo from severe stress, he said, "Since it was something I chose, I am accepting it humbly," and conveyed his remorse by adding, "I could have done more for the players I had been keeping an eye on at KT Corporation, and I feel sorry about that."
He also said, "I keep thinking about ways to return to the field," stressing, "If I get a call, I will go anywhere, no questions asked. I will work hard to earn greater recognition from fans and people in the game."
Previously, while serving as a coach for KT Wiz last year, Lee accepted an offer to manage "A Clean Sweep" and left the team in the middle of the season, a move that drew criticism from baseball fans.

hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter