Can Korea's Ichiro Regain His Form? Jung Hoo Lee's Defensive Struggles Shock Japanese Media

The Uncharacteristic Moment That Caught Everyone's Attention

You know that sinking feeling when your favorite player makes a mistake that just doesn't seem like them? That's exactly what happened when Jung Hoo Lee, the player Japanese media dubbed the Korean Ichiro, stumbled on what should have been a routine play.

Japanese baseball outlet Full Count reported on July 23rd that San Francisco Giants outfielder Lee Jung-hoo was facing criticism for disappointing defensive plays. The incident occurred during an away game against the Atlanta Braves on July 22nd, when communication between center fielder Lee and left fielder Heliot Ramos broke down in the sixth inning with two outs and a runner on second. Lee attempted a desperate diving catch, but the ball dropped to the ground, resulting in an RBI double for Drake Baldwin. While officially scored as a hit, it was yet another error-prone play by Lee that led to runs.

The NBC Sports Bay Area broadcast crew didn't hold back: This is unbelievable. This is a ball the center fielder should handle, but Lee was looking at Ramos. There was no communication at all. It's an inexcusable play. The official scoring as a double is ridiculous. Full Count added that this was an uncharacteristic scene for someone called the Korean Ichiro who joined the big leagues on a six-year, $113 million contract. In the dugout, teammates held their heads in their hands, and the local broadcast crew's reaction was cold.

What makes this particularly noteworthy is Lee's reputation built over years in the KBO League, where he was known for exceptional defensive skills and baseball IQ. Korean fans on communities like DC Inside and Fmkorea expressed mixed reactions - some defended his overall abilities while others coined the nickname Ttanghuru combining his name with the Korean word for ground ball, a playful jab at his tendency to hit grounders and occasional defensive lapses.

September Surge: When the Grandson of Wind Found His Wings

But here's where the story gets interesting! Did you know that Lee completely turned things around in September? After struggling through the summer months, Lee transformed into one of the league's hottest hitters.

According to multiple Korean media reports, Lee posted a remarkable .500 batting average in his first seven games of September with an OPS of 1.228. His overall September performance showed a .522 batting average through early September games, helping the Giants to a 13-4 record during their surge. The contrast with his July struggles was stark - while his defense faltered in the summer heat, his bat came alive when it mattered most.

Lee's teammate and fellow Korean star Kim Ha-seong, who became the first Korean to win a Gold Glove in MLB history, came to his defense upon returning to Korea on October 9th. Jung-hoo is among the top-tier defenders in the Major Leagues, and all the players see him that way, Kim stated at Incheon International Airport. This endorsement from a Gold Glove winner carries significant weight, especially given the criticism Lee faced from both American and Japanese media.

The Full Count article noted that Lee started the 2025 season strong with a .319 batting average in March-April before struggling in June. As a high-salary contract player, the local expectations are very high. It remains to be seen whether he can quickly recover his abilities. By season's end, Lee finished with a .266 batting average, 8 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases across 147 games - solid numbers for his first full MLB season, though defensive metrics showed room for improvement.

The Weight of Expectations: Living Up to the Korean Ichiro Label

When you sign a $113 million contract and get compared to one of baseball's greatest players, the pressure is immense. Lee's journey in 2025 exemplified the challenges Asian position players face when transitioning to MLB.

In an interview after returning to Korea on September 30th, Lee candidly addressed his defensive struggles: When my defense was good, no one talked about it, but when I struggled, the criticism never stopped. I'm just being honest. He acknowledged that there was a period in July when his defense really declined, noting that as a center fielder, he needs to be more proactive and should be the one making those catches, but found himself getting distracted during plays.

The defensive issues weren't isolated incidents. On July 29th against Pittsburgh, another communication breakdown occurred when a fly ball fell between Lee and his teammate, prompting the broadcast crew to point out that the ball was high enough and Lee was in the best position. These moments stood in stark contrast to his spectacular August 17th catch against Tampa Bay that Yahoo Sports called the catch of the decade, where Lee made an incredible diving grab that showcased his true defensive capabilities.

Community reactions on Korean baseball forums showed the complex relationship fans have with their MLB stars. While sites like Namu Wiki documented Lee's impressive batting mechanics and baseball IQ praised by managers and scouts, communities also created playful nicknames reflecting both admiration and frustration. The passionate following even led to the creation of Hoo Lee Gans, an American fan club started by local Giants supporters - something virtually unprecedented for an Asian position player in MLB.

Looking Ahead: Can the Grandson of Wind Soar Higher?

So what does the future hold for Jung Hoo Lee? The statistics tell an encouraging story despite the defensive hiccups. Lee's season ended with a respectable .266/.327/.407 slash line and an OPS of .734, significantly improved from his injury-shortened 2024 debut season.

According to Baseball Savant data, Lee maintained strong contact skills with only an 11.5% strikeout rate and showed improvement in several offensive categories. His September performance - where he helped the Giants surge back into wild card contention with a 16-3 record over one stretch - demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. The Giants ultimately finished 81-81, narrowly missing the playoffs, but Lee's late-season surge provided hope for 2026.

Lee himself expressed optimism about his defensive improvement: Having played in so many stadiums this year, I'll be better prepared to handle each one next season. Even at home games, you never know what situation might arise, so I need to stay attentive every day. He also cited challenges with time zone adjustments and limited rest that affected his stamina, factors he plans to address in the off-season.

The question Japanese media posed - Can the Korean Ichiro regain his abilities? - may have already been answered by Lee's resilient September performance. With a full season of MLB experience under his belt, knowledge of every ballpark, and clear awareness of areas needing improvement, Lee enters 2026 positioned to silence doubters and prove that his massive contract was worth every penny. Korean fans will be watching closely, hoping their star can combine his September offensive prowess with the defensive excellence that made him a legend in the KBO League.