South Korea's government says it has concluded talks with the US to release its citizens detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. The chief of staff of South Korea's president said a chartered plane would be sent to bring the detainees home if administration procedures were completed. Kang Hoon-sik emphasized that the authorities are working to improve the visa system to prevent such incidents from happening again.

US officials detained 475 people - over 300 of whom were South Korean nationals - claiming they were found to be illegally working at the battery facility, recognized as one of the largest foreign investment projects in the state. The White House defended the operation, asserting that the detainees were illegal aliens and it was the duty of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to take action. Following the raids, video footage surfaced showing some Asian workers shackled, sparking significant outcry.

While President Trump has encouraged foreign investment, concerns exist within South Korea about the potential chilling effect this raid could have on future business activities. In response, LG Energy Solution, a partner firm in the factory operations, has stated it will halt most business trips to the US, urging employees on assignment in the US to return home immediately. The factory itself, which plays a critical role in producing electric vehicles, stands as one of the most significant economic development projects in Georgia’s history, employing approximately 1,200 people.