Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee was detained Wednesday evening at Los Angeles International Airport, his agent Scott Boras told the San Francisco Chronicle, before eventually being released.
Boras told the Chronicle it was “just paperwork” and that they were working to resolve the issue. Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s office confirmed to The San Francisco Standard that Lee forgot his travel documents in South Korea while traveling to California for the second of four Giants FanFest events on Saturday in San Ramon and was detained by Customs and Border Patrol.
Pelosi’s office told The Standard that the congresswoman worked with the Giants, congressional partners, and federal liaisons to secure Lee’s release, while Giants spokesperson Shana Daum told the outlet the team was “aware of it, and we are working on it.”
Later Wednesday evening, Boras told the Chronicle’s Susan Slusser that Lee had been released.
“Earlier today [Lee] experienced a brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue,” the Giants said in a statement to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Alex Pavlovic. “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, 27, is entering the third season of a six-year, $113 million contract he signed with the Giants in December 2023. His first MLB season was cut short by a shoulder injury, and in 2025, he slashed .266/.327/.407 in 150 games this season, leading all Giants hitters in batting average, doubles (31) and triples (12; also ranked No. 3 in MLB).
A large Giants contingent, including new manager Tony Vitello and shortstop Willy Adames, recently returned from visiting Lee in South Korea. Lee also committed to playing for Team Korea in the World Baseball Classic this week, with Giants spring training set to begin next month in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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