South Korea Reacts to U.S. Raid on Hyundai Plant
- South Korea reports that the Trump governance has agreed to release the hundreds of Korean citizens detained in the largest U.S.
- Kang Hoon-sik, South Korean presidential chief of staff, stated on Sunday that negotiations with U.S.
- "The South Korean government will remain on guard and stay on the situation with duty until our citizens have safely returned home," kang said at a meeting with...
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U.S. Immigration Raid and South Korean Workers’ Release
Table of Contents
What Happened: The Georgia Immigration Raid
South Korea reports that the Trump governance has agreed to release the hundreds of Korean citizens detained in the largest U.S. immigration raid to date. The raid occurred at a factory site in Ellabell, Georgia, where LG Energy Solution and Hyundai are constructing a new facility.
Kang Hoon-sik, South Korean presidential chief of staff, stated on Sunday that negotiations with U.S. officials are in their final stages to secure the release of the arrested workers. A chartered flight is being prepared to return the workers to South Korea as early as this week.
“The South Korean government will remain on guard and stay on the situation with duty until our citizens have safely returned home,” kang said at a meeting with senior legislators and Cabinet officials.
Federal agents arrested a total of 475 individuals on Thursday. Over 300 of those detained were South Korean citizens employed by LG and it’s subcontractors.
Context: Investment and Trade relations
This crackdown is particularly sensitive given South Korea’s recent commitment of billions of dollars in new investment to expand its manufacturing operations in the U.S. This investment is part of a trade deal reached between President Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung earlier this year.
In late July, President Trump announced that tariffs on most imports from South Korea would be reduced to 15% after South Korea agreed to invest $350 billion in key U.S. industries and purchase $100 billion worth of U.S. liquefied natural gas. More details on the trade agreement can be found here.
The timing of the raid,targeting a major Korean investment,has sparked disbelief and indignation in Seoul.
reactions and Concerns
Ruling party lawmaker Oh Gi-hyoung expressed the sentiment that South Koreans should be treated with respect commensurate with their country’s status as a major U.S. ally and investor.
“If the