He served as a commentator to the Korean Series runner-up manager at the front, such as the head of the operation team. Since then, he has been promoted as general manager and has been victorious by demonstrating free agency and trade skills. But he crashed in an instant.
On the 29th, KIA dismissed general manager Jang Jung-seok (50). Recently, we were investigating the fact that general manager Jang Jeong-seok asked for back money in the process of negotiating a non-FA multi-year contract with Park Dong-won (LG), and we were investigating. KIA reported the fact to the KBO Clean Baseball Center. Director Jang announced his intention to voluntarily resign before the club’s disciplinary committee meeting, but KIA dismissed it.
It was a shocking thing that happened right after the demonstration game was over. Jang Jeong-seok, general manager, played for Hyundai and KIA from 1996 to 2003, and was called the ‘original transformer’ when he transformed into a pitcher at KIA. After his retirement he returned to modern times and started his front life. He received good reviews as the head of the operation team during the Heroes days, and was suddenly selected as the manager ahead of the 2017 season.
Nexen failed to advance to the postseason in 2017. However, general manager Jang created Nexen’s postseason sensation in 2018. Eventually스포츠토토, in 2019, he even won the runner-up in the Korean Series. Both the long-term race and the short-running operation received favorable reviews, such as the tactical strategy of using the finisher Jo Sang-woo in advance in the 6th inning, the complete settlement of the designated hitter rotation, and the surprise break of starting pitchers.
However, he failed to renew the contract after the 2019 season, and served as a commentator at KBS N Sports in 2020 and 2021. Even at this time, his calm commentary was well received by fans. Eventually, after the 2021 season, he wore his second parental home, the KIA jumper. This time, he transformed into the head of the front desk.
As soon as Jang Jeong-seok took office, he demonstrated his ability to sign a 6-year, 15 billion won contract with free agent Na Seong-beom. Although the new CEO prepared the budget in advance, the contract would not have been possible without the skill of Director Jang. He also led a 4-year, 10.3 billion won contract with Yang Hyeon-jong. In the 2022 season, he made 5 trades and showed the aspect of a ‘working hard’ general manager. In fact, he made a big contribution to KIA’s return to the postseason after 4 years.
However, in the second half of the 2022 season, the non-FA multi-year contract with Park Dong-won did not work out smoothly. Park Dong-won eventually exercised his FA rights and transferred to LG for 6.5 billion won in 4 years. As a result, KIA used Park Dong-won for a year and gave away 1 billion won, Kim Tae-jin, and the 2023 rookie second round nomination (Kim Dong-heon).
Business-wise, players can change teams at any time. However, it was revealed that Jang Jung-seok, the head of the team, asked Park Dong-won for back money during the negotiation process, causing a stir. At the time, KIA received an explanation that Jang said it was a joke, but Park Dong-won did not judge it that way. KIA decided that this situation was not appropriate and reported it to the KBO Clean Baseball Center, and opened a disciplinary committee to dismiss the general manager.
Due to this situation, Jang Jeong-seok, the head of the team, crashed in an instant. The runner-up coach of the Korean Series and the general manager who led the way to the postseason tasted a shocking end. With the dismissal of general manager Jang, KIA faced the 2023 season with the front desk vacant.