Giants Outfielder Jung Hoo Lee Briefly Detained at LAX Due to Travel Documents Mix-Up
Jung Hoo Lee’s trip back to the U.S. hit an unexpected snag on Wednesday evening when the Giants outfielder was briefly detained at Los Angeles International Airport. According to his agent, Scott Boras, the issue stemmed from a paperwork oversight - Lee had left his travel documents in South Korea.
The situation unfolded as Lee was en route to California for the second of four Giants FanFest events, this one scheduled for Saturday in San Ramon. Customs and Border Patrol officials held Lee upon arrival at LAX, but the matter was resolved relatively quickly. Boras confirmed later that evening that Lee had been released and cleared to continue his travel plans.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s office also stepped in to assist, working alongside the Giants, federal liaisons, and other congressional partners to help secure Lee’s release. The Giants acknowledged the incident in a statement, describing it as a “brief travel issue” and thanking all parties involved for their professionalism in resolving the matter.
Lee, 27, is entering his third season with San Francisco after signing a six-year, $113 million deal back in December 2023 - a landmark move that signaled the Giants’ commitment to bolstering their lineup with international talent. After a shoulder injury cut his rookie campaign short, Lee bounced back in 2025 with a solid season, slashing .266/.327/.407 over 150 games. He led the team in batting average, doubles (31), and triples (12), with the latter ranking third across all of Major League Baseball.
The Giants have remained closely connected with Lee during the offseason. A sizable team contingent, including new manager Tony Vitello and shortstop Willy Adames, recently visited him in South Korea. Lee, in turn, has committed to representing Team Korea in this year’s World Baseball Classic - a move that speaks to both his pride in his home country and his growing stature on the international stage.
With spring training just around the corner in Scottsdale, Arizona, this minor travel hiccup shouldn’t disrupt Lee’s preparation. If anything, it’s a quick reminder of the logistical hurdles that come with international travel - even for Major League stars. The good news for Giants fans: Lee is back on U.S. soil and ready to get to work.