South Korea, U.S. Conclude Talks for Release of Detained Workers in Georgia

South Korea has concluded negotiations with the United States for the release of more than 300 South Korean workers detained during a large U.S. immigration raid at a Hyundai and LG Energy Solution battery plant construction site in Georgia. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced that while some administrative procedures remain, a chartered plane will soon be sent to return the workers to South Korea. The South Korean government, along with its embassy in Washington and consulate in Atlanta, has been actively working to secure their release. Kang also emphasized plans to review and improve the visa system to prevent similar incidents in the future. This diplomatic resolution follows the largest enforcement operation in the history of Homeland Security Investigations and coincides with broader U.S.-South Korea trade relations, including a recent $350 billion trade agreement. President Lee Jae Myung has called for all necessary measures to support the detainees, and President Donald Trump is expected to visit South Korea in October for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.