History of Jung-hoo Lee in Timeline

Jung-hoo Lee is a South Korean professional baseball outfielder currently playing for the San Francisco Giants in MLB. Prior to joining the Giants, he played in the KBO League for the Kiwoom Heroes. Lee is a highly regarded player known for his hitting ability and defensive skills. His transition to MLB represents a significant step in his career, showcasing his talent on a global stage.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 20, 1998: Jung-hoo Lee Born

On August 20, 1998, Jung-hoo Lee, a South Korean professional baseball outfielder, was born.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Moved to Gwangju

In 2001, after his father signed with the KIA Tigers, Lee and his family moved to Gwangju, South Korea.

2012: Moved to Seoul

In 2012, upon his father's retirement, Lee and his family moved to Seoul where he enrolled in Whimoon Middle School and then Whimoon High School.

2016: U-18 Baseball World Cup

In 2016, Lee made his first appearance on the international stage at the U-18 Baseball World Cup, where South Korea won the tournament.

2016: KBO League Draft

In 2016, Lee was selected by the Nexen Heroes in the first round of the KBO League draft.

2017: KBO Debut and Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Lee made his KBO debut with the Nexen Heroes, setting a rookie record for hits and being named KBO League Rookie of the Year. He was converted into an outfielder and appeared in every game.

2017: Asia Professional Baseball Championship

In 2017, Lee represented the national team in the Asia Professional Baseball Championship, where South Korea placed 2nd overall.

2017: KBO League Rookie of the Year Award

In 2017, Lee won the KBO League Rookie of the Year Award.

2018: Asian Games

In 2018, Lee delivered the winning RBI against Taiwan in the Asian Games.

2018: Shoulder Injury and Improved Performance

In 2018, Lee suffered a shoulder injury, sidelining him for 6 weeks, but he still improved his performance, ending 3rd in the league in batting average.

2018: Golden Glove Award

In 2018, Lee won the first of five consecutive Golden Glove Awards.

2019: WBSC Premier12

In 2019, Lee played for Team Korea at the WBSC Premier12 tournament and led all players with five doubles.

2019: Playoff MVP

In 2019, Lee was voted the MVP of the 2019 playoffs for the first time.

2020: Summer Olympics

In 2020, Lee played for the South Korea national baseball team at the Summer Olympics.

2020: Another Golden Glove Award

In 2020, Lee won another Golden Glove Award and achieved a batting line of .333/.397/.524, with 15 home runs, 101 RBIs, and an OPS of .921.

2021: Hit for the Cycle

In 2021, Lee batted .360/.438/.522 and led the league in batting average. On October 25, 2021, he hit for the cycle against the Samsung Lions.

2022: KBO League MVP and Record-Breaking Season

In 2022, Lee won the KBO League Most Valuable Player Award, became the youngest and fastest player to reach 1000 hits, and led the league in multiple batting categories. He also received the playoff MVP once again.

2022: KBO League Most Valuable Player Award

In 2022, Lee won the KBO League Most Valuable Player Award.

July 25, 2023: Season-Ending Surgery Announcement

On July 25, 2023, it was announced that Lee would undergo season-ending surgery after suffering a fractured ankle.

December 14, 2023: Signed with San Francisco Giants

On December 14, 2023, Lee signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the San Francisco Giants of MLB.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Lee played for the South Korea national baseball team at the World Baseball Classic.

March 30, 2024: First MLB Home Run

On March 30, 2024, Lee hit his first home run in MLB against the San Diego Padres.

2024: Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 List

In 2024, Lee was listed in the top 10 of the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 List at #6.

2025: Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 List

In 2025, Lee was listed in the top 10 of the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 List at #7.

2025: MLB Season with the Giants

In the 2025 season, Lee played in 150 games for the Giants, achieving a slash line of .266/.327/.407, and tying the record for the most triples by an Asian player in a season on September 26, 2025.