San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee was briefly detained at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Wednesday due to missing paperwork as he arrived from his home in South Korea. The incident occurred as he prepared for the upcoming spring training, which is set to commence next month.
According to a statement from the Giants, Lee did not have the necessary documents to clear customs. The situation was resolved quickly, allowing him to continue his travel without further issues. “Earlier today, Jung Hoo Lee experienced a brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue,” the Giants stated. “The matter was quickly clarified with the appropriate authorities, and he has since been cleared to continue his travel. We appreciate the professionalism of all parties involved.”
Lee’s Career Highlights and Recent Challenges
At 27 years old, Lee signed a lucrative six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants in December 2023. His rookie season in 2024 was marred by injury, as he dislocated his left shoulder while crashing into an outfield wall, requiring season-ending surgery. His return to the field this past year saw him contributing significantly, despite the team’s struggles.
During the 2025 season, the Giants failed to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive year, leading to the dismissal of manager Bob Melvin. Nonetheless, Lee showed resilience, finishing the season with a batting average of .266, eight home runs, and 55 RBIs, alongside 10 stolen bases over the course of 150 games. Notably, he started 144 of those games in center field.
The Giants will be looking to Lee as a key player in their lineup as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming season. With his experience and capability, Lee’s presence is expected to have a significant impact on the team’s prospects.
