*This content was translated by AI.
Lee Jung-hoo (28, San Francisco Giants) was detained at a U.S. airport.
The San Francisco Chronicle said on the 22nd (Korea Standard Time), "According to Agent Scott Boras, San Francisco outfielder Lee Jung-hoo was detained at Los Angeles International Airport in the United States over paperwork. But he was released soon."
It's an unexpected situation. Lee Jung-hoo left for San Francisco the day before (21st) via Incheon International Airport to participate in the "2026 San Francisco Fan Festival" event to be held in San Ramon, USA on the 25th. At the meeting, Lee Jung-hoo announced his participation in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
However, one document that I left out after arriving became a problem. Boras blocked the allegations in advance, saying, "It's not a political issue or anything." According to Boras, Lee Jung-hoo was released in an hour thanks to U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco.
Boras said, "We work with the U.S. Immigration Department and the San Francisco club and have been confirmed. I don't know what's missing, but I forgot one of the documents and had a problem with the paperwork," he said.
The San Francisco Chronicle, which reported the news, said, "Lee Jung-hoo signed a six-year, $113 million contract with San Francisco ahead of the 2024 season and is loved by fans. This winter, we invited new coach Tony Vitello and shortstop Willy Adames to Korea."
It refers to a youth clinic for Korean amateur players held at LG Champions Park in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do on the 7th.
The event was co-hosted by the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and San Francisco. Lee Jung-hoo's alma mater Hwimungo and more than 60 Deoksu players from last year's Cheongryonggi winning team were invited to teach.
Lee Jung-hoo, CEO Larry Baer, president of the baseball division Buster Posey, general manager Jack Minasian, manager Tony Bytello and player representative Willie Adames attended the event, co-hosted by the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and San Francisco.
CEO Baer, who attended, said, "I visited Korea through Lee Jung-hoo, and I am happy to be with the grandson of the wind. Lee Jung-hoo came to Korea because he plays a huge role in San Francisco and is a player who will do more. Even now, he invited him to his country and is doing really well as a host," he said.
Meanwhile, Lee Jung-hoo and San Francisco will start the 2026 season through full squad training on Feb. 16, starting with a pitcher-catcher meeting on Feb. 11.
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*This content was translated by AI.
