A leading economic official in Georgia, U.S., has revealed that internal discussions are underway on how to bring back the Korean workers who were detained by U.S. immigration authorities and deported earlier this month from the construction site of Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution’s joint electric vehicle battery plant.
Savannah Economic Development Director: "Only Korean Workers Can Train U.S. Staff"
Trip Tollison, director of the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA), told local media outlet Savannah Morning News on September 17 (local time), "The frustration I feel is that no country in the world other than Korea possesses this proprietary technology that must be installed by certain individuals. We are dependent on Korea."
This indicates that only the Korean workers can install battery cell equipment at the plant and subsequently train U.S. employees on its use, making their return essential.
SEDA, a private organization, was established in cooperation with the Georgia state government to support economic growth in the Savannah region of the Southeast through job creation and investment.
Tollison also disclosed discussions held last week in Detroit with Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson and Hyundai executives.
He said, "I showed support and assured them that the project will be completed," adding, "There was a lot of discussion about bringing those workers back."
According to SEDA, 3,219 people are currently employed at Hyundai Motor Group Meta Plant America (HMGMA) and its partner companies within the Georgia megasite. This figure does not include employees of the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution joint battery plant (HL-GA), where the recent incident occurred.
Tollison emphasized, "This incident is only a minor setback. We are confident that they (Hyundai) will get the schedule back on track as quickly as possible," and reiterated, "The agreement remains valid."
Philip Linhart, a SEDA spokesperson, added, "The Korean employees who were detained were temporarily visiting to support equipment installation and staff training during the construction phase. They are highly skilled workers with specialized knowledge and experience in installing the equipment."
Governor Kemp: "Time to Overhaul U.S. Visa System"
Earlier, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp broke his silence on the immigration enforcement incident.
Local broadcaster Atlanta News First reported that Kemp, speaking to reporters at the Rivian EV plant site in Atlanta the previous day, said, "This immigration enforcement should serve as an opportunity to overhaul the U.S. visa system. This is not only a Hyundai issue but one that many companies across the country have faced."
Chris Clark, president of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, also stated, "Whether for farm workers or workers coming to help build factories for Korean, Japanese, or German companies, the U.S. visa program needs reform. In the long run, Georgia workers will benefit from this."
The Georgia community has been asking the Korean workers to return and continue the project. However, the Korean sentiment towards the U.S. has vastly diminished after this incident. Many Korean citizens are opposed to sending the Korean workforce back to the U.S. to continue the project. Korean netizens are reacting negatively and commented:
"It's not like we're from a poor country. Why should we go back?"
"They're completely ignoring us."
"Whatever."
"Screw it."
"Think Korea is a joke? Get lost. Be ready for lawsuits."
"They’re really looking down on us. Do you think Koreans are subordinates who must go back just because you tell us to? If you want to talk, start by bowing your head properly and apologizing first."
"Talk to your Trump."
"What were they doing when they detained them for seven days?"
"They handcuffed them, detained them, and even deported them. Our foreign minister had to go and bring them back. Unreal. They said the visa wasn’t even an issue."
"Americans realized too late they’d messed up the local economy and apologized to local media. Korean engineers did nothing wrong, yet they were handcuffed, detained, and misrepresented in international media as having visa issues. Just being Korean felt humiliating."
"The visa wasn't an issue since they were not working for an American company. They were all employed by a Korean company and were only there temporarily to set up the plant."
"Forget it!"
"Don't rely on us. Do things yourself."
"Once the factory is built, they’ll steal the technology. An economic expert advising large companies said protecting our technology is the most important thing. Their intentions are exactly like China’s—they’ll keep imposing regulations and conditions, taking everything. Even big companies worry about losing tech."
"The detained workers should sue, get compensation, and demand an official apology. Otherwise, this could happen again."
"Ridiculous."
"Nope. Not sending them back."
"They messed up their own economy."
"How much of a pushover did they think we were?"
"Well, we can't go back~ no visas~ too bad."
"LOL, screw them."
"Stop scheming and give an official apology."
"Apologize first and take measures to prevent recurrence. Your government was at fault."
"F*** off."
"No apology and disrespecting Korea."
"Shut up. The image I had of your country is now on par with the worst. Being betrayed by someone you already dislike is one thing, but being betrayed by someone you trusted hurts more, damn."
"A minor setback? Hahaha."
"Minor? Keep saying that."
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