More than 300 South Koreans who were detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in the US state of Georgia have arrived back home. Their return follows warnings from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Hyundai's chief executive concerning the potential negative impact of the raid on relations between the two countries and on future business investments.
A chartered Korean Air jet carrying the workers, along with 14 non-Koreans also involved in the raid, departed Atlanta and landed in Incheon International Airport. The operation caused a significant delay, reportedly at the instruction of the White House, as the US government sought to verify the workers' intentions to stay and contribute to the workforce.
During their arrival, many workers expressed relief, with one exclaiming, I'm back, I'm free. They were greeted by a large group of journalists and some protesters, showcasing public outrage over how the workers were treated during their detention.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism not just in South Korea but also raised concerns among companies considering investing in the United States. Hyundai's CEO noted that the raid would delay the factory's opening by at least two months due to the need to replace lost workers. South Korea's foreign ministry has urged collaboration with US Congress to develop a new visa category for workers in similar positions going forward, as the current situation has caused deep-rooted worries about the viability of overseas investments by Korean firms in America.
A chartered Korean Air jet carrying the workers, along with 14 non-Koreans also involved in the raid, departed Atlanta and landed in Incheon International Airport. The operation caused a significant delay, reportedly at the instruction of the White House, as the US government sought to verify the workers' intentions to stay and contribute to the workforce.
During their arrival, many workers expressed relief, with one exclaiming, I'm back, I'm free. They were greeted by a large group of journalists and some protesters, showcasing public outrage over how the workers were treated during their detention.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism not just in South Korea but also raised concerns among companies considering investing in the United States. Hyundai's CEO noted that the raid would delay the factory's opening by at least two months due to the need to replace lost workers. South Korea's foreign ministry has urged collaboration with US Congress to develop a new visa category for workers in similar positions going forward, as the current situation has caused deep-rooted worries about the viability of overseas investments by Korean firms in America.
