South Korean baseball star Lee Seung-yeop, who had hoped to play in the American major leagues, announced Thursdayhis decision to join Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines.

In a Seoul news conference, the 27-year-old slugger referred to Japanese baseball as 'new turf' to conquer, saying he would get back to the basics as he did nine years ago and that he also wants to take on the challenge of playing in a new environment.

Lee, who set an Asian season home run record of 56 in this year's Korean League, said that after playing two years in Japan, he would then prove to himself as well as to his fans that he can do a good job in the American majors.

Lee's agent said the Marines offered Lee a total of 500 million yen (roughly US$4.6 million) for two years.

However, details on the deal, including incentives and other benefits, will be revealed some time next week when Lee signs an official contract with the Marines.