A son of Korea’s baseball king, but more than just the past. – Meet Jung Hoo Lee. Back in December 2023, when he signed with the San Francisco Giants, he brought more than just talent to the table. He brought a legendary legacy with him. And guess what? He introduced himself in the most graceful way you’d imagine. Jung Hoo Lee publicly introduced himself as “Grandson of the Wind,” a tribute to his father.

And just like that, he gave his father, Lee Jong-beom, another reason to beam with pride. Jung Hoo Lee’s father was a KBO icon in his time. He was widely known as “Son of the Wind.” To be known by that name wasn’t that easy. Lee Sr. worked for it. He became a sensation in Korea, being known for his versatility, dominance, and unreal speed. Ultimately, he became one of the best leadoff hitters the league has ever witnessed. Primarily in his journey, Lee Sr. played third base and outfield. But fans viewed him as the shortstop when he used to be a key piece of the HaiHai Tigers.

Meanwhile, Junior Lee landed in Major League Baseball with the San Francisco Giants and became the center of the entire Giants nation. Interestingly, as per the San Francisco Standard, his jersey No. 51 eventually became the top-selling jersey this season. Hear it from Giants’ chief marketing officer Rachel Heit: “When Jung Hoo joined the team at the beginning of last year, he immediately became a fan favorite.”

It hasn’t always been smooth for Junior Lee. After signing with the Giants, he suffered an injury setback in 2024. To be precise, it was a torn labrum that kept him on the sidelines. It could’ve been his breakout year, but for most of it, he was off the field. And this year, 2025, momentum has shifted for good. He has a remarkable 1.130 OPS as of April 13. It placed him third in the league, and he became a sensation for his journey. It’s truly admirable – his transition from KBO to MLB.

Why is Jung Hoo Lee called ‘grandson of the wind’? How does it justify his current status? All to know

Either at a press conference or on the field, Grandson of the Wind cherishes it every time he’s called so. His father, Lee Jong-beom, in his era, was one of the greatest leadoff hitters and a national sensation in Korea. Yes, Junior Lee did step into the world of baseball with a legacy trailing him. But now, he’s in Major League Baseball to etch the name of his own.

Adding to that belief, he stated, “I think fans are now recognizing me as baseball player Lee Jung-hoo, rather than Lee Jong-beom’s son.” He was off the field for a long time due to his injury setback, but when he was on the field? He has shown flashes of brilliance that have stunned the fan base.

The fans collectively formed a crew named “Jung Hoo Crew”. The love for Jung Hoo Lee within the Giants nation was above the height of limits. It somehow solidified his status in the league.

When Junior Lee was questioned about what he took from his father, he replied, “To be a good person, to be a good teammate, and how to be part of a team.” Such learnings leave a lasting impact. Jung Hoo Lee was able to translate these takeaways to the game. Moreover, he’s living up to the nickname.

Baseball at His Core: Jung Hoo Lee’s Family Ties and Personal Life

In 2017, Jung Hoo Lee completed his schooling at Whimoon High School, Seoul. This institution is widely known for its powerhouse baseball program. That’s when his game started taking shape. After all, it’s the environment that matters. And this prestigious institute provided him with an environment curated specially for elite players.

It’s fair to say that baseball has been an intangible part of his life. It all started with the genes he carried and then being nurtured in a sports-driven environment. The supervision of his father and, of course, his discipline have gotten him here today. He’s now with the San Francisco Giants on a massive six-year, $113-million contract.

Young Lee’s family started getting more involved in the game in January 2023. That’s when his sister, Lee Ga-hyun, tied knots with pitcher Go Woo-suk. He has a similar story to Young Lee’s. He began in the KBO and transitioned to the MLB. Presently, he’s playing for the San Diego Padres.

When Young Lee isn’t playing, he dedicates all his time to his family. His father has been a minor league instructor for a while now and he still makes baseball a part of his life. Young Lee owns two munchkins as well – Kao and Lua. It’s beautiful to see how perfectly his professional and personal life are intertwined.