Giants Issue Statement on Jung Hoo Lee's 'Travel Issue' After He Was Stopped at LAX

The San Francisco Giants have issued a statement after Jung Hoo Lee was stopped at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday.

Per the Giants' statement (h/t Janie McCauley of the Associated Press), customs agents stopped Lee due to a "brief travel issue" related to paperwork that was "quickly clarified."

"Earlier today, Jung Hoo Lee experienced a brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue," the statement said. "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."

Giants general manager Perry Minasian explained (h/t The Athletic's Andrew Baggarly) that Lee was returning to the United States from Seoul, South Korea, and he either misplaced or forgot part of his travel packet.

Lee was born in Japan before his family moved to South Korea, where his father, Jong Beom Lee, had a legendary career for the Kia Tigers in the KBO.

Baggarly noted that Lee's return to the U.S. coincided with his scheduled appearance at the Giants Fanfest event on Saturday. The 27-year-old has committed to play for South Korea in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Lee is entering the third season of his six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants that was originally signed in December 2023. He hit .266/.327/.407 with eight homers in 150 games last season.