The SSG Landers have announced the appointment of Park Jung-kwon as the new manager of their Futures team on January 27, 2024. The decision follows the turbulence of the recent hiring of Park Jung-tae, who stepped down only 24 days after his appointment due to concerns over his history of drunk driving.
Park Jung-kwon, who has been affectionately nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch postseason performances, brings significant experience to the role. His career stats show he played 1,308 games with a batting average of .273, hitting 178 home runs and accumulating 679 RBIs. Notably, he holds the record for 11 home runs during postseason play and was named the MVP of the Korean Series in 2010, underscoring his reputation as one of the prominent figures of the SSG franchise's history.
The Landers organization expressed confidence in Park Jung-kwon’s leadership abilities and his intimate knowledge of their developmental system. They highlighted his previous roles as hitting coach and player from 2018 to 2023, stating, "He has consistently communicated with the club and understands the developmental status of the team well." This background has positioned him as the right fit to guide the Futures team and cultivate young talent.
Park Jung-tae's brief tenure raised eyebrows due to his history of legal trouble, including multiple DUI incidents and other offenses, triggering widespread criticism prior to his exit. The SSG had hired Park Jung-tae on December 31, 2023, but the decision was met with backlash, particularly concerning the familial connections—Park is the uncle of Choo Shin-soo, who is involved with the team’s developmental processes.
Following the waves of criticism and just days after the fallout from the previous appointment, the Landers quickly moved to secure Park Jung-kwon for the position. "Park Jung-kwon is known as the quintessential one-club man and star player, having shown fundamental skills and tenacity throughout his playing career," the team stated. They also noted his exceptional ability to relate to younger players, which is seen as pivotal to fostering their growth.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Park Jung-kwon said, "I am happy to return to my home team and thank the club for the trust placed in me. I feel the heavy responsibility and will do my utmost to maximize the potential of our promising players and support them as they aim for the first team." His commitment to nurturing the team and enhancing their competitive edge reflects his desire to maintain SSG’s status as a strong contender.
The Landers are optimistic about the future under Park's leadership. "We expect him to lead the Futures team with unique charm and openness, driving unencumbered communication with young players, which will be invaluable for their development," the team added.
Park Jung-kwon's transition to management follows his career as both a decorated player and coach, and many see this move as beneficial for both his development and the overall growth of the Futures team. His focus will be on creating a strong pipeline for aspiring athletes to transition successfully to the top league, reflecting his dedication to the SSG Landers franchise and its heritage.