U.S. Raid Results in Detainment of Over 300 Koreans, Sparking Lee's Call for Vigorous Action
Over 475 people, primarily South Korean nationals, were detained in a recent immigration raid at a construction site in Georgia, USA. The site is for a battery plant owned by HL-GA Battery Company, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution.
The gravity of the situation prompted the South Korean Foreign Ministry to establish the Headquarters for the Protection of Overseas Koreans, with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun serving as its head. Minister Cho presided over a meeting at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Seoul to discuss countermeasures for the detention.
During the meeting, it was disclosed that over 300 South Koreans were among the detained individuals. In response, President Lee Jae Myung ordered an "all-out response" to resolve the issue. Minister Cho also hinted at the possibility of his own trip to the US to address the consequences of the raid.
The Consulate General in Atlanta has been maintaining continuous communication with local authorities and the state government. Consul General Cho Ki-joong was urgently dispatched to the site and established an on-site countermeasure task force. He emphasized that the rights and interests of South Korean nationals and Korean companies investing in the US must not be infringed upon.
Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina conveyed South Korea's concerns and regrets to Acting US Ambassador Joseph Yun at the US Embassy in Seoul. The Korean Embassy in Washington delivered the same message to the US Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and other relevant agencies.
The raid followed a monthslong investigation into allegations of illegal hiring at the battery plant under construction. Steven Schrank, the lead Georgia agent of Homeland Security Investigations, confirmed this.
In an effort to clarify the situation and negotiate the release and repatriation of about 300 Korean workers, Minister Cho Hyun is considering a trip to Washington. The visit is scheduled for the upcoming Monday following the announcement on September 8, 2025.
The scheduled facility is expected to produce about 30 gigawatt-hours of batteries annually, enough to power 300,000 high-performance electric vehicles upon completion next year. Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution formed a joint venture and began building the first plant at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America site with a $4.7 billion investment in 2023.
The Foreign Ministry intends to respond comprehensively, working in close coordination with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, business associations, and companies. Minister Cho ordered attendees to make all-out efforts, including active consular assistance, and to review staff reinforcement.
As the situation unfolds, the South Korean government is working diligently to ensure the rights and interests of its citizens and companies are protected in the US.
