U.S. Plans Embassy Desk, Talks to Address South Korean Business Visa Issues

The United States and South Korea are actively working to improve visa processes for South Korean businesspeople investing in the U.S., highlighted by a recent working-level meeting in Washington, D.C. Officials from both countries discussed expanding the scope of the U.S. B-1 business visa and establishing a dedicated service window at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to better assist South Korean investors. This initiative follows a September 4th U.S. law enforcement raid at a Hyundai-LG Energy joint venture battery plant in Georgia, where 317 South Korean workers were detained for alleged visa violations, sparking calls in South Korea to reform the visa system. The U.S. also agreed to set up a desk at its embassy in Seoul to help resolve visa-related issues, aiming to facilitate smoother investment and employment relations. Both governments are exploring the creation of a new visa category tailored specifically for South Korean business activities in the U.S., reinforcing their commitment to strengthening economic ties. These actions reflect a shared goal to support South Korea as a key investor and address challenges faced by Korean workers in the U.S.