South Korea concludes talks to release nationals detained in Hyundai raid in US

September 7, 2025

South Korea's government has completed discussions with the US regarding the release of South Korean citizens detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia. The operation resulted in 475 people being detained, including over 300 South Korean nationals who US officials claim were working illegally at the facility. South Korean authorities plan to send a chartered plane to bring detainees home once administrative procedures are completed and are working to improve the visa system to prevent similar incidents.

Who is affected

Over 300 South Korean nationals detained in the raid
A total of 475 people detained at the Hyundai plant
47 LG Energy Solution employees
Approximately 250 workers for contractors at the joint venture factory
Hyundai and LG Energy Solution as companies
South Korean businesses with operations in the US
The 1,200 people employed at the Georgia factory

What action is being taken

South Korea is arranging for a chartered plane to bring detainees home
South Korean authorities are working to improve the visa system
LG Energy Solution is suspending most business trips to the US
LG Energy Solution is directing employees on US assignment to return home immediately
ICE is holding the arrested workers at a facility in Folkston, Georgia

Why it matters

The raid occurred during sensitive trade talks between the US and South Korea
South Korea has pledged tens of billions of dollars in American manufacturing investment
The factory was described as the biggest economic development project in Georgia's history
The incident could deter foreign investment and business activities in the US
The raid impacts relations between the US and South Korea, a close ally
The timing raises concerns in Seoul about the future of South Korean investments in the US
South Korean media described the raid as a "shock" that could have a "chilling effect" on South Korean businesses in the US

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond the pending release of detainees and their return to South Korea via chartered plane once administrative procedures are completed.

Read full article from source: BBC