Jung Hoo Lee was detained at Los Angeles International Airport for reportedly “forgetting documents in Korea.”
CBS News reports that Customs and Border Protection agents delayed Lee’s return to the U.S. on Wednesday. The San Francisco Giants outfielder has since been released.
“Earlier today, Jung Hoo Lee experienced a brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue,” the Giants said in a statement on Wednesday evening. “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.”
The 27-year-old was born in Japan and is of South Korean descent. He signed a 6-year, $113 million deal with the Giants prior to the 2024 season. Before joining the MLB, he played in South Korea’s KBO League for seven years with the Kiwoom Heroes. During that time, he won Rookie of the Year, 2022 MVP, five Golden Glove Awards, and appeared in six All-Star games.
The Giants are gearing up for Spring Training for the upcoming season, which is set to kick off next month in Scottsdale, Arizona. The team’s regular season is slated to begin on March 25 against the New York Yankees on San Francisco's home turf.
