'300 Detained in US' LG Energy Solution HR Chief Departs: "Doing Our Best for Early Release"

Kim Kisu, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHO) of LG Energy Solution, departed for the United States on September 7 to respond on-site after more than 300 personnel, including those from partner companies, were detained during a crackdown on undocumented immigrants at a battery plant in Georgia.

More than 300 Koreans were detained during a crackdown on undocumented immigrants conducted by U.S. immigration authorities at the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution plant in Georgia. On the 7th, at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2, Kim Kisu, Chief Human Resources Officer of LG Energy Solution, spoke to reporters before departing for the United States to respond to the situation on site. LG Energy Solution

At Incheon International Airport that morning, Kim stated, "The top priority right now is the swift and early release of both our LG Energy Solution employees and those of our partner companies," adding, "Since the government is also making every effort to respond, we will do our utmost to ensure everyone’s safe and prompt return."

Kim declined to comment further on plans for response in the United States or the current condition of the detained employees, and proceeded into the departure hall.

Previously, on September 4 (local time), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a large-scale crackdown on undocumented immigrants at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant (HL-GA Battery Company) in Savannah, Georgia.

As a result, 47 people affiliated with LG Energy Solution (46 Korean nationals and 1 Indonesian national) and approximately 250 personnel from equipment partner companies related to HL-GA Battery Company were detained.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that more than 300 Koreans were detained. It was determined that no Hyundai Motor Group employees were among those detained.

The previous day, LG Energy Solution announced, "We are making every effort on all fronts for the early release of those detained," and added, "We will ensure that necessary medications are delivered to the detainees." The company also stated that it is working closely with the Korean government and relevant authorities to arrange visits with the detainees and has requested that communication and contact be made possible.

President Lee Jaemyung addressed the situation, stating, "The rights and interests of our citizens and the economic activities of Korean companies investing in the United States must not be unfairly infringed during the enforcement of U.S. law," and instructed, "The Embassy in the United States and the Consulate General in Atlanta should do everything possible to resolve the matter swiftly."