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South Korean officials will travel to US to secure return of detained workers

September 8, 2025

South Korea's foreign minister is traveling to the United States to secure the release of over 300 South Korean nationals who were detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia. US officials detained 475 people total who they claimed were working illegally at one of the largest foreign investment projects in the state. The South Korean government expressed concern over the operation and has reached a preliminary deal with the US to return the workers on a chartered flight, though details remain to be finalized.

Who is affected

  • Over 300 South Korean nationals who were detained
  • Hyundai and LG, the South Korean companies building the battery plant
  • The 1,200 workers employed at the Georgia factory
  • American workers whose jobs ICE claims to be protecting
  • South Korea as a key US ally with investment commitments
  • Foreign companies seeking to establish manufacturing in the US

What action is being taken

  • South Korea's foreign minister is traveling to the US to help secure the workers' return
  • The South Korean government is working to ensure detained workers will be returned voluntarily rather than deported
  • LG Energy Solution is suspending most business trips to the US and directing employees on assignment in the US to return home immediately
  • The US and South Korea are finalizing details of a chartered flight to return the detained workers

Why it matters

  • The raid occurred just two weeks after Seoul agreed to invest billions in US manufacturing
  • It raises questions about how foreign companies can relocate manufacturing to the US while bringing in necessary technical specialists
  • The incident could create tension with South Korea, a key US ally and investor
  • The factory represents the biggest economic development project in Georgia's history
  • South Korean media described the raid as a "shock" that could have "a chilling effect" on South Korean business activities in the US

What's next

  • Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will work to finalize details of how and when the workers will be returned to South Korea
  • The US and South Korea need to complete arrangements for the chartered flight to return the detained workers

Read full article from source: BBC

South Korean officials will travel to US to secure return of detained workers