As the 2025 Major League Baseball season unfolds, a historic first is set to take place on June 13, 2025, when two of South Korea’s brightest stars—Jung-Hoo Lee and Hyeseong Kim—face off for the first time as MLB opponents. Lee, the San Francisco Giants’ standout outfielder, will square off against Kim, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ versatile new utility player, in a matchup that has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. To top it all off, the teams enter a three-game series separated by a single game, with crypto sports betting platforms giving a slight -180 edge to the Dodgers on the series price.
Shared History and Parallel Journeys
Lee and Kim’s paths have been intertwined since their early days in South Korean baseball. Both began their professional careers in 2017 with the Nexen Heroes, now known as the Kiwoom Heroes, and quickly became key figures for the team. Their partnership extended beyond club baseball, as both represented South Korea on the youth national team. In a recent interview, Lee reflected on their shared journey: “We’ve been playing together since the days of the youth national team. I have nothing but great memories of playing with him. I am so happy to see us both play in the U.S. simultaneously. It feels surreal.”
From KBO to MLB: Career Highlights and Statistics
Jung-Hoo Lee spent seven seasons with the Kiwoom Heroes before leaping to Major League Baseball. In December 2023, he signed a six-year, $113 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, marking one of the largest deals for a Korean position player in MLB history. Lee made his MLB debut in March 2024 and finished his rookie season with a .273 batting average, eight home runs, and 39 RBIs. His performance has been a bright spot for the Giants, with Lee earning a reputation as a reliable defender and consistent contributor in the outfield.
Hyeseong Kim, nicknamed “Comet,” followed a slightly different path. After a strong 2024 KBO season with the Kiwoom Heroes—where he posted a .326 batting average, 11 home runs, and 30 stolen bases—Kim signed a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers in January 2025. He made his MLB debut on May 3, 2025, and has quickly made an impact, boasting a .410 batting average, two home runs, and nine RBIs through early June. Kim’s versatility, speed, and switch-hitting ability have made him a valuable asset for the Dodgers.
Team Dynamics and Injury Concerns
The matchup between the Giants and Dodgers is already significant, but recent developments have added to the intrigue. Dodgers star Freddie Freeman has been playing through a quad injury, which was only noticed after his last game when his reduced sprinting speed became apparent. Freeman’s resilience and determination have set a high standard for the team, but his health remains a concern as the Dodgers prepare to face the Giants.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has praised Kim’s all-around abilities, calling him “an all-rounder weapon with exceptional defense, speed, and switch-hit bat.” Meanwhile, Lee solidifies his reputation as a stalwart in the Giants’ outfield, with his consistent performance and leadership qualities earning him acclaim from teammates and fans alike.
The Significance of the Matchup
For Lee and Kim, this game represents more than just another contest on the MLB calendar. It culminates years of friendship, rivalry, and shared dreams. Both players have spoken about the surreal nature of their parallel journeys, from their early days in South Korea to their current status as key contributors for two of baseball’s most storied franchises.
The tension surrounding this matchup is palpable. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the first MLB showdown between these two Korean stars, and the stakes are high for both teams. The Dodgers, dealing with injury concerns, are looking to maintain their momentum, while the Giants are counting on Lee to continue his strong play and help guide the team to victory.
Looking Ahead
As Lee and Kim prepare to take the field as opponents for the first time in the major leagues, they carry with them the weight of their shared history and the hopes of their respective teams. For both players, the game is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the enduring bond forged through years of competition and camaraderie.
The matchup promises to be a memorable chapter in the Giants’ and Dodgers’ ongoing rivalry and a milestone moment for Korean baseball on the global stage. As the first pitch approaches, all eyes will be on Lee and Kim, two friends turned rivals, as they write the next chapter of their remarkable careers.
