"Fans will boo players on the other team during introduction" - Lee Jung-hoo gives his take on intense rivalry with Dodgers’ Kim Hye-seong in 2025 MLB

Lee Jung-hoo is the starting center fielder for the San Francisco Giants, and he signed a six-year deal worth $113 million with them in 2023. Injuries ended this past season early for the outfielder, but he is looking to bounce back in a big way in 2025.

Before heading back to the United States to get ready for Spring Training, Jung-hoo spoke with reporters at Incheon International Airport. Staying healthy is the top goal for Lee Jung-hoo in 2025, but he also spoke about playing against Kim Hye-seong this season. Hye-seong played with Jung-hoo in South Korea but signed a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on January 3.

"Fans will boo players on the other team during introduction," Lee said. "In the KBO, we usually have a lot of fans for the visiting team and the mood is fairly neutral. In the majors, it's a lot more partisan, and I think it's going to be fun for Hye-seong."

The Giants and Dodgers are bitter rivals, and Lee knows that Hye-seong will experience that during his rookie campaign. Lee also expressed excitement for his former teammate by saying,

"I am so happy to see us both play in the U.S. at the same time. It feels surreal."

Lee Jung-hoo Gets Inspiration From Ichiro Suzuki

Lee Jung-hoo chose the number 51 when he signed a contract with the San Francisco Giants. That is the same number that was worn by Ichiro Suzuki, arguably the best Asian-born player to ever play in Major League Baseball.

Jung-hoo had a chance to meet his childhood hero back in March 2024 and expressed that his love for baseball came after watching Suzuki play with the Seattle Mariners.

“When baseball came into my life, that’s when I first saw Ichiro playing. That’s where I got my inspiration for baseball.”- Lee Jung-hoo to Mercury News

He will be looking to inspire young baseball players in Korea, and the Giants are hoping for a great season from their young center fielder.