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Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee was released by Customs and Border Patrol Wednesday at Los Angeles International Airport after he was detained due to forgetting travel documents in South Korea, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi’s office confirmed.
The star outfielder was traveling to California to take part in the second of four Giants’ FanFest stops, scheduled for Saturday in San Ramon.
Pelosi’s office said the congresswoman was working with the Giants, congressional partners, and federal liaisons to secure Lee’s release.
“Earlier today, Jung Hoo Lee experienced a brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue,” the Giants said in a statement. “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.”
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Lee, 27, is entering his third season with the Giants after signing a six-year, $113 million contract in December 2023. He’s a .265 hitter over two seasons with 10 home runs and 63 RBIs in 187 games. He missed most of his rookie year in 2024 because of a shoulder injury and rebounded to play 150 games in 2025.
In early January, a large travel contingent from the Giants including president of baseball operations Buster Posey, CEO Larry Baer, and manager Tony Vitello visited South Korea to promote the organization and celebrate Lee.
Lee and the Giants hosted baseball clinics at local high schools and the outfielder took the traveling party out for Korean barbecue.
The Giants open spring training in three weeks in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lee, like several other Giants, has committed to play in the World Baseball Classic in March.
CBP did not respond to a request for comment.