South Koreans Outraged: Hundreds of Hyundai Workers Detained at Georgia Plant Spark Backlash

South Korean Workers Detained in U.S. Immigration Raid

On September 4, a major immigration raid took place at a Hyundai battery factory under construction in Georgia. A staggering 475 workers were detained, including over 300 South Koreans. Videos from the raid showed some workers being shackled, sparking outrage back in South Korea.

In response, South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun traveled to the U.S. to negotiate the release of these workers. The South Korean government announced that once administrative steps are completed, a charter flight will bring them home.

President Trump remarked that the workers were in the U.S. illegally and stressed the need for better arrangements with countries like South Korea. His administration has been clear about its stricter immigration policies, which aim to prioritize hiring U.S. citizens over foreign workers, especially in skilled sectors like technology and manufacturing.

The incident has raised alarm among South Korean lawmakers. Cho Hyun described the raid as “serious” and unexpected. He stated that such military-like operations hurt trust between South Korea and the U.S., raising concerns for future investments. Lawmakers reacted fiercely, suggesting retaliatory measures against Americans working illegally in South Korea.

Experts believe that while South Korea is disappointed, any major retaliatory steps are unlikely due to its security reliance on the U.S., especially regarding threats from North Korea. The historical context of American-South Korean relations adds weight to this decision; relations have been strong since the Korean War, but this event has strained perceptions of the alliance.

Public sentiment in South Korea is one of confusion and anger. Many citizens are questioning the integrity of the U.S. immigration system, particularly how it treats foreign workers. Recent surveys show a growing discontent toward U.S. policies, reflecting concerns that such raids could jeopardize future investments.

A key insight comes from Paik Wooyeal, a professor at Yonsei University, who notes that the ambiguity in the U.S. visa and immigration system is causing significant disruption. South Korean companies operating in the U.S. will likely experience turmoil as they address visa issues for their employees. This could slow the establishment of manufacturing operations and raise costs in the long run.

Local financial institutions like Eugene Investment & Securities predict that the incident will lead to higher labor costs and operational delays, particularly in the EV sector, which is crucial for Hyundai’s growth in the U.S. market. As the situation unfolds, South Korean officials are pushing for more favorable visa terms and working to ensure that the detained workers can return to complete their projects.

This incident has sparked a new wave of discussions about immigration policies, foreign investment, and international relations. It serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in globalization, national security, and human rights.

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