Deputy Consul General Kim Daehwan Addresses the Issue Directly
Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner, attended the Gaecheonjeol commemoration event hosted by the Consulate General in Atlanta on the 8th (local time) and gave a speech expressing gratitude for Korean companies' investment in Georgia. Photo by Yonhap News
The head of economic affairs for the U.S. state of Georgia expressed gratitude for Korean corporate investment at a local event hosted by the Korean government. However, he did not mention last month's large-scale detention of Korean nationals by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On October 8 (local time), Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, made these remarks while attending the Gaecheonjeol commemoration event organized by the Consulate General in Atlanta, held at Magnolia Hall in Piedmont Park, Atlanta. Throughout his speech, he emphasized Korean companies' investments and job creation.
Commissioner Wilson stated, "In recent years, Korean companies have invested in Georgia and created jobs more than those from any other country. Korean companies have become the top investors in Georgia through creative and cutting-edge projects." He also said, "In 2024, Korea was Georgia's third-largest trading partner, which is an impressive statistic. The Korean community is characterized by outstanding work ethic, value creation, and an entrepreneurial spirit."
He further highlighted that tens of thousands of Georgia residents are living better lives thanks to Korean companies' investments and job creation. Commissioner Wilson added, "You are creating new and valuable opportunities for Georgia and its cities. Governor Brian Kemp and I will soon visit Korea, and we are excited to continue building on this relationship between Korea and Georgia."
At the event, Deputy Consul General Kim Daehwan directly addressed the issue of the detention of Korean nationals and visa matters. He said, "I would like to mention the recent difficult incident that occurred in Georgia. The enforcement action at the HL-GA plant (the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution battery joint venture) construction site was a challenging moment for our community."
He continued, "However, there are currently productive and sincere discussions underway between our government and the parties involved regarding visa procedures and compliance measures. We hope that this incident will ultimately help foster an even stronger Korea-U.S. and Korea-Georgia partnership."
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