South Korean Workers Released from US Detention, Reflecting Global Attention on Visa Reform

Strategic Insights -

South Korea's bid to resolve the unprecedented detention of its citizens by US immigration authorities finally came to an end on September 12, with more than 300 workers returning home after a weeklong ordeal. Following negotiations between Seoul and Washington, the workers were released from detention in Georgia, where they had been held since an immigration sweep at an electric car battery plant construction site co-run by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution Ltd. The workers' release marked an end to a saga that sparked widespread public anger in South Korea and drew intense global attention, with foreign media crews swarming the airport to capture the workers' return. The incident has highlighted the need for visa reform, particularly for South Korean businesses operating in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The detention of over 300 South Korean workers by US immigration authorities in Georgia sparked widespread public anger and drew intense global attention.
  • The workers were released from detention after negotiations between Seoul and Washington, with most arriving back in South Korea on September 12.
  • Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik received the workers in person at the airport and vowed to push for improvement to the US visa system, including creating a new visa.
  • Deputy foreign minister Cho Hyun met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to agree on forming a working group to improve the visa systems for South Korean businesses.
  • President Lee Jae Myung expressed hope for continued talks with Washington on visa reform, stating that similar incidents could deter companies from making direct US investments.
  • The detention highlighted the need for visa reform, particularly for South Korean businesses operating in the United States.
  • Among the foreign nationals aboard were 10 Chinese, three Japanese, and one Indonesian, with most of the detainees being men.
  • One South Korean with family in the US chose to remain in custody and pursue legal action.
  • The workers' release saw them undergo a separate fast-track process upon arrival before meeting their families.

Statistics:

  • 316 South Koreans and 14 foreigners were aboard the chartered plane that returned the workers to South Korea.
  • 10 Chinese, three Japanese, and one Indonesian foreign nationals were among the detainees.
  • 90% of the detainees were men, with only 10 women among them.
  • 1 South Korean chose to remain in custody and pursue legal action.
  • US President Donald Trump encouraged the workers to stay in the country, delaying their release by a day.
  • The workers were on short-term business or 90-day recreational visas to work in the US.

Sources:

  • Yonhap News Agency (September 12, 2025)
  • Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik (quoted in Yonhap News Agency, September 12, 2025)
  • Deputy foreign minister Cho Hyun (quoted in Yonhap News Agency, September 12, 2025)
  • President Lee Jae Myung (quoted in Yonhap News Agency, September 12, 2025)