Key Facts
• On September 12, 316 South Korean workers and 14 foreigners returned to South Korea.
• They were detained at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia, U.S.
• Detention lasted 8 days, starting from September 4, by U.S. immigration authorities.
• A pregnant woman was among the returnees.
• LG Energy Solution arranged a charter flight for their voluntary departure.
• Families expressed mixed emotions of anger and relief upon their return.
• A wife of a detained worker questioned the use of restraints during the arrest.
• South Korean officials, including the Presidential Chief of Staff, welcomed the returnees.
• South Korea plans to establish a dedicated visa desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
• Discussions on new visa quotas for South Koreans in the U.S. are underway.
• Hyundai’s president estimated a 2-3 month delay in the plant’s construction.
Summary
316 South Korean workers and 14 foreigners detained at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia, U.S., returned home on September 12 after an 8-day detention by U.S. immigration authorities. LG Energy Solution facilitated their voluntary departure via a charter flight. Families greeted the returnees with mixed emotions, expressing anger and relief. South Korean officials, including the Presidential Chief of Staff, welcomed them at the airport. The incident has prompted South Korea to establish a dedicated visa desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul and initiate discussions on new visa quotas. Hyundai’s president projected a 2-3 month delay in the plant’s construction due to the incident.
