Korean Detention Incident in the US: Ruling Party Calls for Visa Review, Opposition Slams "Worst Diplomatic Disaster"

Opposition: "Political Motives Must Be Identified"
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "No Connection with Special Prosecutor"

The political parties expressed differing views regarding the incident in which more than 300 Korean workers were arrested and detained at the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia, USA. The Democratic Party of Korea described it as "an opportunity to review the visa system," while the People Power Party strongly criticized it as "the worst diplomatic disaster."

On September 8, the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee held an emergency inquiry for the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Unification regarding the detention of Korean nationals by U.S. immigration authorities.

Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's current issues inquiry held at the National Assembly on the 8th and responded to lawmakers' questions regarding the illegal stay and employment crackdown by U.S. immigration enforcement authorities on Korean companies in Georgia, USA. 2025.9.8 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Both parties expressed regret over the incident. Assemblyman Cho Jeongsik of the Democratic Party stated, "If hundreds of Koreans are detained as if in a military operation, how can we expect to invest properly in the United States?" He emphasized, "The government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must mobilize all channels to strongly express regret and respond actively."

The People Power Party strongly held the Lee Jaemyung administration responsible for the incident. Assemblyman Kim Giheon of the People Power Party criticized, "This is a national disgrace and the worst diplomatic disaster," and added, "President Lee neither convened an emergency meeting nor issued any special instructions, making the response highly inappropriate." Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsoo of the People Power Party also criticized, "President Lee and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have neglected their constitutional duty to protect the people."

The Democratic Party agreed that the visa system should be reviewed to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Assemblyman Lee Jaegang of the Democratic Party suggested, "As investment in the United States increases, more dispatched workers will be needed," and proposed, "We should consider creating a visa exclusively for Koreans or easing the review process for existing visas."

In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun stated, "This issue was not included on the agenda at the Korea-U.S. summit," and added, "We will review various measures in light of this incident."

There were also calls to clearly identify the background of the incident. Assemblyman Kim Giwoong of the People Power Party pointed out, "While there is no need to publicize the political implications of the largest-ever crackdown, we must fully understand the causes to prevent similar situations in the future."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs agreed with this but drew a line regarding any connection between the special prosecutor's search and seizure at the U.S. military base and the current incident. Minister Cho stated, "I believe there is no connection whatsoever between the special prosecutor's investigation and this incident," and added, "Although various reasons have been suggested, publicizing them ourselves would weaken our negotiating position and would not help Korea-U.S. relations."