U.S. State Department Expresses Regret Over Detention Incident, Vows to Prevent Recurrence

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Tangible Measures Needed to Prevent Recurrence"

A senior official from the U.S. Department of State expressed regret and pledged to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents during talks with the South Korean government following the large-scale detention of Korean nationals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that on September 14, a meeting between First Vice Minister Park Yoonjoo and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Christopher R. Landau, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Deputy Secretary Landau expressed deep regret over the incident and suggested that this situation be used as an opportunity to improve systems and strengthen the South Korea-U.S. relationship. He emphasized that President Donald Trump is also highly interested in this matter, assured that those returning to the United States would face no disadvantages upon re-entry, and conveyed the U.S. commitment to preventing any similar incidents in the future.

He also acknowledged the significant contribution of South Korean companies' investments to the revival of the U.S. economy and manufacturing sector, and proposed to provide institutional support for these efforts. He suggested that follow-up working-level discussions proceed swiftly to ensure that appropriate visas are issued in recognition of the contributions made by South Korean workers.

Vice Minister Park mentioned the uncomfortable conditions that Korean company employees had to endure while unjustly detained, expressing regret that not only the affected workers but also the general public were deeply shocked by this incident. He strongly urged the United States to implement tangible measures to prevent a recurrence.