US Official Apologizes for Detaining South Korean Workers, Pledges Visa Fixes
A top US diplomat has expressed deep regret over the recent detention of hundreds of South Korean workers in America. He promised steps to avoid such incidents in the future and strengthen ties between the two nations.
Christopher Landau, the US Deputy Secretary of State, met with South Korea’s First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo in Seoul on Sunday. The talks focused on the troubling event earlier this month, as reported by Yonhap news agency and South Korea’s Foreign Ministry.
The incident happened at a construction site in Bryan County, Georgia, for an electric vehicle battery plant. This is a joint project by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution. Immigration officials detained 316 South Korean workers during a crackdown. The workers had entered the US on short-term business visas, like B-1 visas or ESTA permits, meant for quick visits—not full-time jobs. They spent a week in a detention center before flying back home on Friday.
Landau told Park that the US feels "deep regrets" for the ordeal. He highlighted President Donald Trump’s personal interest in the matter and assured that the returned workers won’t face hurdles when they try to re-enter the US. "We want to turn this into a chance to boost our alliance and fix any weak spots in the system," Landau said, according to the ministry.
To prevent repeats, Landau suggested starting working-level talks on better visa options for South Korean workers. He stressed the need for support to help Korean companies invest in the US, which boosts the American economy and creates jobs in manufacturing.
Park shared how the detention shocked not just the workers but the entire South Korean public. She pointed out the hardships they endured and urged the US to take real action for systemic changes. This would ease worries among South Koreans about working in America.
The episode highlights bigger visa challenges for South Korean firms expanding in the US. Despite South Korea being the top foreign investor there in 2023—with $21.5 billion poured in—only around 2,000 Koreans get specialty H-1B visas each year. That’s a tiny fraction of the nearly 85,000 issued overall. Seoul has even committed $350 billion more under a fresh trade deal, making smooth visa processes crucial for these investments.
Both sides agreed the incident underscores the importance of clear rules for international workers. As US-South Korea relations grow, experts say fixing these visa issues could open doors for more collaboration in tech, EVs, and beyond.
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