The South Korean government has reached an agreement with the United States, ensuring that Korean nationals currently detained by U.S. immigration authorities will be able to return in the future without facing penalties, even if they voluntarily return home now.
According to government sources, the agreement, secured ahead of Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s trip to Washington, resolves concerns over the detainees’ eligibility for reentry. Cho is expected to formalize the deal during meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials. The detainees are anticipated to be released and return to South Korea via a chartered Korean Air flight, potentially as early as September 11.
Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong Bum acknowledged that some workers had breached U.S. rules but said the White House and other agencies understood Korea’s position and are finalizing administrative procedures.
Korea stressed during negotiations that blocking reentry could delay the completion of a Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, which is nearly finished and expected to create 8,000 local jobs. U.S. authorities noted that some workers had violated visa regulations, while South Korea argued that short-term work arrangements were necessary to meet construction deadlines due to visa challenges.
Many South Koreans expressed outrage over the recent treatment of Korean engineers detained in the U.S. Commenters were particularly angered by reports of South Korean engineers and employees being in handcuffs and ankle chains.
They commented:
"All the Americans working as English teachers in Korea on travel visas should be rounded up nationwide at the same time, their hands tied with cable ties, their ankles chained, and thrown in jail. Film it and broadcast it to the world."
"Allies only care about alliances when it suits them. Even during King Gojong’s time, we had an alliance, but we must never forget the treaty that allowed Japan to colonize us. The U.S. cannot be trusted."
"Trump and his gang aren’t even allies. If they were, they wouldn’t act like this. It’s disgusting."
"This was handled well. Our government really worked hard."
"Even if immigration and investment policies clash, they handcuffed a friendly investor! They’d never treat German or Japanese investors like this. We should protest strongly. Giving them technology and investment? Just shut up. Let’s take the 25% tariff, build here in Korea, and give jobs to our youth. Lower production costs, and you can make up a 10% difference. Japan doesn’t build hybrid car factories in the U.S. because even with tariffs, it’s cheaper to make them in Japan. Partner with China and Russia, diversify markets. The U.S. is no longer an ally."
"Why did they even chain their ankles? It’s outrageous—what on earth are they doing? I’m just boiling with anger."
"We must not forget that historically, the U.S. has pretended to be an ally while pushing Korea into danger for its own benefit."
"This isn’t enough. If they don’t promise it won’t happen again and can’t guarantee the safety of Korean engineers, all investment in the U.S. should be withdrawn. If the U.S. continues to claim their barbaric enforcement methods are justified, Korea should do the same—round up illegal U.S. English teachers, chain them, and lock them in a room. That’s the 'proper' American way."
"It’s too late. Apologize. The whole nation saw it. We won’t forget. The U.S. just disrespected its ally."
"The U.S. should officially apologize first."
"Every country has its history. The U.S. fought Hitler and fascism, but now the forces running America are descendants of the victims, the Jews. They’re oppressing people of color like Germany did. Look at Israel. Worse than Hitler. The U.S. is becoming like Hitler. White supremacy. Maintaining white privileges. They can arrest anyone immediately based on race, job, or language. Transitioning to a new white dictatorship."
"They’re allowing reentry because they want the buildings built and technology transferred. Let’s not go back."
"We’re building factories to support them, yet they don’t issue proper visas, handcuff us, chain us like serious criminals, and pressure us for tech transfer? Is this how you treat an ally?"
"I’d never want to go back. With Trump, who knows when he’ll flip?"
"The U.S. is hypocritical, talking about freedom and democracy while doing the most evil things. Behind every war and conflict is the U.S., maintaining its superpower status. Korea must not rely solely on the U.S. but seek survival through strategic multilateral diplomacy."
SEE ALSO: South Korea secures U.S. assurance of no reentry penalties for detained nationals
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