SAN FRANCISCO — Bowing as a Sign of Respect

In Korea, bowing isn’t just a simple hello; it symbolizes respect.

Jung Hoo Lee is enjoying quite a profitable run lately.

This being his third season with the Giants, the South Korean player seems to be settling in comfortably these days.

In fact, no player has recorded more hits than he has since April 10th.

During his last 16 games, Lee has an impressive batting average of .410, with 25 hits in 61 at-bats. It seems he’s significantly more likely to achieve multiple hits in a game than he is to go hitless.

“He hit the ball all over the park; it was exciting to watch,” said manager Tony Vitello. “We were looking for a reliable spark in our offense.”

Basically, “Jeonghu is Jeonghu,” as some would say.

Speaking through interpreter Justin Hung, Lee mentioned he feels more himself now; he’s more at ease living in America and being part of a Major League clubhouse compared to his earlier seasons. Han added humorously that soon, he might not even be needed.

A lot of this change, Lee believes, stems from Vitello’s influence.

“Tony has allowed me to express myself within American culture, something I hadn’t really figured out before,” Lee said. “At the same time, he’s trying to honor the Korean way and embrace the culture.”

Just take a look at the top of the dugout steps after Lee scores or during a post-game celebration—Vitello prefers to greet with a bow instead of the usual handshake, a gesture that resonates with Lee’s background.

Vitello told the Post it began as a bit of fun while also honoring Lee’s culture.

“All the Latin players have a strong camaraderie, but Jongju sometimes feels a bit isolated,” he noted. “So, connecting in any way we can helps him feel genuinely at home.”

In the outfield, Lee cites his bonds with teammates Gerard Encarnacion and Heriot Ramos as instrumental in making him feel welcome.

Coaching primarily American college students, Vitello faced the challenge of navigating a multicultural MLB clubhouse. His proactive measures, especially regarding Lee, seem promising. Over the offseason, he visited South Korea alongside Lee and shortstop Willie Adames.

He might have picked up some drills and inspiration from assistant trainer Ryo Watanabe and starter Robbie Ray, both of whom Lee recalls greeting with a bow.

“He gets the culture,” Lee remarked about Ray. “I felt a wave of relief when he took his first bow.”

There’s been a bit of fun rivalry with his interpreter, Mr. Han, with Lee joking that they might argue every two weeks, which was captured on video by SFBayNewsLab.

A bow signifies respect—deeper bows indicate deeper respect. In South Korea’s hierarchical society, elders are revered, so Han, younger than Ray, bows to those older. Yet, in a friendly way, Ray doesn’t allow it, sometimes falling dramatically to the ground instead.

“To show my respect, I try to bow even lower,” Han laughed. “And he often just collapses on the floor. Ryo started doing that too, but honestly, one Robbie is enough.”

If Lee’s current performance continues, his popularity is sure to rise.

After missing much of his rookie season due to injuries and having only modest returns last year, he hasn’t really felt the impact of his substantial seven-year, $113 million contract with the Giants from the Korea Baseball Organization.

This season, things began on a rough note, with Lee batting just .143 through 13 games before a much-needed road trip.

Despite the Giants losing 7-0 to the Phillies on Tuesday, Lee’s batting average climbed to .301, second best on the team, right after Luis Arraez. He’s not just hitting—it includes two home runs, five doubles, and a triple, boosting his OPS to .801.

Vitello placed Lee at the leadoff position when Adames took a day off and continued with him at the top of the lineup upon Adames’ return.

“He’s definitely stronger and healthier than when he was in San Francisco,” Vitello stated. “Beyond just his batting ability, he’s also driving the ball better.”

Even with all this success, Han has nothing to fret about.

“I want Justin to keep his job,” Lee quipped with a smile.