Jung Hoo Lee is scheduled to appear at a Giants Fanfest event in suburban San Ramon, Calif., on Saturday. Chris Coduto / Getty Images
San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee was momentarily detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday because of a minor paperwork issue, Giants general manager Zack Minasian said.
Lee, 26, was traveling from Seoul, South Korea, and either misplaced or forgot part of his travel packet, Minasian said. The matter was handled, and Lee was allowed to enter lawfully.
“Earlier today, Jung Hoo Lee experienced a brief travel issue at LAX due to a paperwork issue,” the Giants said in a statement released 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.”
There were no political motivations behind the delay, Minasian said, nor was Lee carrying any contraband or illegal items in his luggage.
Lee is scheduled to appear at a Giants Fanfest event in suburban San Ramon, Calif., on Saturday. He is entering the third season of his six-year, $113 million contract and typically has arrived at the Giants’ spring training facility in Scottsdale, Ariz., a week or two ahead of the reporting date.
Lee’s stay in Scottsdale will be brief. He is expected to play for Korea in the World Baseball Classic; the national team will play the Czech Republic in an exhibition on March 5 at the Tokyo Dome prior to beginning pool play at the venue.
Earlier this month, Lee played host to teammate Willy Adames, new manager Tony Vitello, president Buster Posey and Minasian as part of the Giants’ goodwill tour of Korea. The 17-person contingent included leaders from across departments as the Giants sought to make marketing and business inroads in the nation.