South Korea's Foreign Minister in the U.S. to Address Worker Detention Fallout

Sat Oct 18 2025 10:46:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun arrives in the U.S. to discuss the return of hundreds of South Korean workers detained during an immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, raising diplomatic tensions.

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has commenced a visit to the U.S. to negotiate the return of several hundred South Korean workers detained in a large immigration operation at a Hyundai battery factory in Georgia. The raid, which resulted in widespread public shock and outcry in South Korea, involved the detention of 475 workers, including over 300 Koreans. The incident has sparked concerns among South Korean officials about the future of their investments in the U.S., as well as strained diplomatic relations between the two nations amidst ongoing discussions on work visa expansions.

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has departed for the U.S. to negotiate the release of several hundred South Korean workers detained during a significant immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. This unexpected incident has left many in South Korea feeling shocked and betrayed, especially considering the strong ties between the two nations.

On September 4, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out a raid at the under-construction Hyundai battery factory, detaining 475 workers, over 300 of whom were South Koreans. Visuals released by the agency showing workers in shackles have raised serious concerns regarding U.S. immigration practices and the fate of South Korean investments in the U.S.

“If U.S. authorities detain hundreds of Koreans in this manner, how can South Korean companies investing in the U.S. continue to operate effectively?” lawmaker Cho Jeongsik lamented during a legislative hearing.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for enforcing strict immigration policies that often lead to such large-scale detentions. South Korea’s investment pledges to the U.S. were on the table around the time of the raid, further complicating the diplomatic environment.

In light of these events, Foreign Minister Cho has highlighted the need for urgent discussions regarding U.S. visa policies for skilled foreign workers and the potential economic repercussions of strained South Korea-U.S. relations. As negotiations proceed, there remains uncertainty surrounding the future of South Korean investments and bilateral cooperation.