Kang Hoonshik: "Plans to Improve Visa System to Prevent Similar Incidents"
Over 300 Koreans Detained at Hyundai-LG Energy Battery Plant in Georgia
President Lee Orders "All-Out Response for Swift Resolution" Immediately After Incident
On September 7, Kang Hoonshik, Chief Presidential Secretary, announced that negotiations for the release of Korean nationals detained by immigration authorities at the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant (HL-GA) construction site in Georgia, United States, have been concluded. He added that once administrative procedures are completed, the government plans to dispatch a chartered flight to assist in their return to Korea.
During opening remarks at a high-level party-government consultation held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Kang stated, “Thanks to the swift response of the government, economic organizations, and corporations, negotiations for the release of the detained workers have been finalized.” He continued, “As soon as the administrative procedures are completed, a chartered flight will depart for Georgia, United States.”
Kang further emphasized, “To prevent similar cases in the future, we will work with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and related companies to improve the visa system for business travelers involved in such projects.” He added, “The government will implement all necessary measures to achieve both the prompt release of detained citizens and the stable execution of the project.”
On September 4 (local time), U.S. immigration authorities detained 475 people during a raid at the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution plant in Georgia. More than 300 of those detained were Korean nationals.
Previously, President Lee Jaemyung instructed authorities to make every effort for a swift resolution, directing the Korean Embassy in the United States and the Consulate General in Atlanta to take the lead. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun conveyed at a joint task force meeting at the Government Complex Seoul on September 6 that President Lee had stressed, “The rights and interests of our citizens and the economic activities of Korean investors in the United States must not be unfairly infringed upon during the enforcement of U.S. law.” Minister Cho has also been coordinating a visit to the United States this week in response to the large-scale detention of Korean nationals by U.S. immigration authorities.
LG Energy Solution reported that among those detained, 47 are affiliated with LG Energy Solution (46 Koreans and 1 Indonesian), and approximately 250 are from equipment partner companies related to the HL-GA battery plant. The company has suspended all business trips to the United States except for customer meetings. Current business travelers have been instructed to either return to Korea immediately or remain at their accommodations, depending on their work status. In connection with the raid, Kim Kisoo, Chief Human Resources Officer of LG Energy Solution, departed for the site in Georgia on the morning of September 7.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor America issued a statement on September 5 (local time), saying, “Hyundai applies a zero-tolerance policy to those who do not comply with the law,” and added, “We will strictly adhere to U.S. laws as we invest in American manufacturing and create thousands of jobs.”
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