The long-anticipated return of hundreds of South Korean nationals detained in the United States has been unexpectedly delayed after U.S. authorities abruptly halted their release.
According to Seoul officials, the detainees were scheduled to be freed on the afternoon of September 10 (KST) and board a government-chartered flight bound for Incheon. The aircraft, which was already en route to Atlanta, was set to depart in the early hours of September 11 (local time) and arrive in Seoul later that evening.
However, just before the scheduled release, U.S. authorities notified Seoul that the process had been suspended due to what they described only as “U.S. circumstances,” without providing specific reasons.
The sudden decision was immediately relayed to President Lee Jae Myung during his attendance at the National Growth Fund briefing. Shortly afterward, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, “Departure on September 10 local time has become unfeasible due to U.S. circumstances. We are maintaining close consultations with U.S. counterparts to ensure an early departure.”
Following the notification, communication between the two governments became limited as the situation unfolded during the early morning hours in Washington. A foreign ministry official indicated that it would take time to fully assess the reasons behind the disruption.
Analysts suggest two possible explanations for the delay. One is a bureaucratic or logistical issue, such as differences between the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security over transportation and transfer arrangements. Another possibility is a disagreement over Seoul’s demand that returning workers not face disadvantages should they seek re-entry into the United States in the future.
For now, the chartered flight remains grounded as both governments work to resolve the unexpected impasse, leaving the return of over 300 Koreans still uncertain.
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