Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo momentarily held at LA airport due to paperwork issue
Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants speaks to reporters before departing for Los Angeles at Incheon International Airport, Thursday. Yonhap
Lee Jung-hoo, the Korean outfielder for the San Francisco Giants, was momentarily detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on Wednesday (local time) over a paperwork issue, the major league club said.
According to the Giants, Lee "experienced a brief travel issue" in Los Angeles due to a paperwork issue" but was eventually allowed to enter the United States.
"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," the Giants said in a statement.
Giants general manager Zack Minasian told The Athletic that there were no political motivations behind the delay and Lee was not carrying any illegal items.
Lee is scheduled to appear at a Giants Fanfest on Saturday in California before traveling to Arizona for spring training.
Lee is also scheduled to play for Korea at the World Baseball Classic in early March. He is entering his third season with the Giants.