The match-up between Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) and Kim Hye-sung (Los Angeles Dodgers) is receiving significant attention not just in Korea but also in the United States.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are set to face off in a three-game weekend series starting on the 14th (Korean time) at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, home of the Dodgers.

Coincidentally, this traditional rivalry in the National League West will be held as a first-place decider. The Dodgers are ranked first with a record of 41 wins and 28 losses, while San Francisco is in second place with 40 wins and 29 losses, just one game behind. While the Dodgers have been sluggish with a recent record of 5 wins and 5 losses over their last 10 games, San Francisco has been on a roll with a record of 7 wins and 3 losses, closing in on the top spot.

And another note: Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-sung, who shared a team in the KBO League with the Heroes before successfully transitioning to Major League Baseball, will have their first match-up in the regular season.

MLB.com noted that "the grandson of the wind and Hye-sung will face off in their first encounter in Major League Baseball. A special weekend for two close friends is about to unfold," adding, "Lee Jung-hoo, known as the grandson of the wind, and 'Hye-sung' Kim Hye-sung were two of the biggest stars in Korean professional baseball before making waves in Major League Baseball. This series has significance beyond just a rivalry ranking competition. The two players are long-time friends and colleagues who have walked the same path."

It added, "While the two players share a baseball relationship, this weekend will be a new first experience for them. It’s not only their first match-up in Major League Baseball but effectively their first serious encounter in an official game as well. Kim Hye-sung mentioned that he remembers facing Lee Jung-hoo in a practice game during high school, but this will be their first meeting in an important official game."

Kim Hye-sung expressed his excitement, saying, "Meeting Lee Jung-hoo as an opposing player is really great and fun. It will feel new." Lee Jung-hoo said, "Once the game starts, I will focus on the game rather than worrying about each other, but deep down, Hye-sung is always in a corner of my mind."

MLB.com also highlighted the unique bromance between Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-sung. The outlet stated, "Despite their busy schedules, the two players frequently keep in touch to support each other. During the process of adapting to Major League Baseball for the first time, Kim Hye-sung received a lot of advice from Lee Jung-hoo. Of course, there are many good players in their teams, but having a friend from the same country provides great support."

Lee Jung-hoo revealed, "Since Kim Hye-sung is doing so well, there’s not much I can advise him on regarding the games. We mainly talk about off-field topics, like food and travel. Everything in America is different, so we talk about that a lot."

Kim Hye-sung said, "(Facing Lee Jung-hoo) is really special. We played together, and now we are opposing each other in Major League Baseball. Competing in the same division is also special, and I look forward to the future."

MLB.com predicted, "If these two stars continue to grow, the rivalry between the Giants and Dodgers will become even more exciting."

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