Seoul: Tony Vitello, the newly appointed manager of the San Francisco Giants, embarked on a promising start to his relationship with South Korean outfielder Lee Jung-hoo during a visit to Lee's hometown in Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Vitello, who assumed his managerial role in October last year, finally met Lee on Tuesday. The two spent the morning immersed in local culture by touring a traditional market, preparing Korean dishes, and engaging in classic Korean games. Vitello expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and the fruitful beginning to their relationship. "It's been a lot of fun. Everyone here is very welcoming to us," he stated at a press conference following the day's cultural activities.

Although Vitello has yet to manage Lee in an official game, he was quick to commend the player's renowned batting skills. "Tremendous swing with a really good rhythm at the plate and also very good hand-eye coordination," Vitello remarked, acknowledging Lee's baseball lineage, as his father is a Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) legend. Vitello is optimistic about Lee's evolution as a player, noting his potential for growth given his relatively short tenure in the major leagues.

Accompanying Vitello on the South Korean visit are Giants shortstop Willy Adames, club CEO Larry Baer, baseball operations chief Buster Posey, and general manager Zack Minasian. Their itinerary includes further activities, a clinic for local high school students, and a joint press conference. Adames emphasized his desire to understand Lee's cultural background and witness the admiration Lee receives in his home environment.

Lee, delighted to host his new manager and teammates, expressed his happiness at the realization of the trip, a plan that began forming months ago. He appreciated the opportunity to further bond with Vitello, looking forward to their upcoming spring training in Arizona.

Meanwhile, Posey and Minasian visited the KBO's Seoul headquarters for discussions with KBO Commissioner Heo Koo-youn. The KBO reported Posey's keen interest in South Korean baseball and potential exchange programs for young players. The discussions also touched on expanding the partnership between the Giants and the KBO, highlighting the ongoing cultural and professional connections between the two baseball communities.