San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee faced a travel hiccup at Los Angeles International Airport recently. The 27-year-old, who was born in Japan but is of South Korean descent, was briefly detained by Customs and Border Protection officers. This happened because he forgot some important documents back in Korea, as confirmed by Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s office.
Pelosi’s team is actively working with the Giants and federal agencies to resolve the situation. A representative from the Giants later shared that Lee has since been released. It was just a “brief travel issue,” they noted, and everything was cleared up quickly.
Lee, who signed a significant six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants ahead of the 2024 Major League Baseball season, has made a name for himself in baseball. This deal is particularly notable as it is the largest ever given to a Korean-born player. Before joining the Giants, he played for seven years in South Korea’s KBO League with the Kiwoom Heroes, where he earned multiple accolades, including Rookie of the Year, MVP in 2022, and five Golden Glove Awards.
He also has an impressive international career, having represented South Korea in several tournaments, including last year’s World Baseball Classic and the 2020 Summer Olympics. Lee is expected to don his national colors again for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Looking ahead, the Giants will start their Spring Training in February in Scottsdale, Arizona. They kick off the regular season on March 25, hosting the New York Yankees at Oracle Park.
In his MLB career so far, Lee has played 187 games, posting a batting average of .265, hitting 10 home runs, driving in 63 runs, and stealing 12 bases. His journey reflects the growing international presence in baseball, showcasing talent from around the globe.
This incident at LAX sheds light on the complexities athletes face when traveling internationally, especially regarding paperwork and documentation. With so many players crossing borders for games, these travel issues can arise unexpectedly. Keeping smooth communication with governments and teams is crucial in resolving these matters swiftly.
For the latest updates and insights on sports figures like Lee, you can check resources like CBS News or the official MLB website for information on player statistics and contracts.
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San Francisco Giants, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
