The South Korean government has secured an agreement with the United States to ensure that Korean nationals currently detained by U.S. immigration authorities will not face disadvantages when they return to the country in the future, even if they voluntarily return home now.
According to government sources contacted by The Hankyoreh on September 9, the central point of negotiation, which was the detainees’ eligibility for reentry into the U.S., was resolved with Washington’s pledge that no penalties will be imposed. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who reached the understanding before his departure, is expected to formalize the deal during his visit to Washington where he will meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials.
The detainees are expected to be released and board a chartered Korean Air flight, returning as early as September 11 through Incheon International Airport.
During the talks, Seoul emphasized that preventing reentry could delay the completion of a Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant under construction in Ellabell, Georgia. The plant, which is already 97 percent complete and scheduled for late October, is projected to generate 8,000 local jobs. Any delay would negatively affect both Korean companies and U.S. economic interests connected to the project.
U.S. immigration officials, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, argued that working at the site with short-term business visas or under the Visa Waiver Program was a clear violation of U.S. law. The Korean government countered that, given the difficulty of obtaining employment visas, the arrangement was unavoidable in order to meet construction deadlines.
Presidential Policy Chief Kim Yong Bum acknowledged at a Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club forum on Monday that some workers did violate U.S. regulations. He added that the White House and other authorities have understood Korea’s position and are finalizing administrative procedures.
With the reentry issue resolved, Seoul plans to accelerate the early return of all detainees. The Foreign Ministry said on Monday that the government and related companies are doing their utmost to arrange departure from the United States by September 10.
President Lee Jae Myung also addressed the matter during a cabinet meeting, stating that as the ultimate guarantor of citizens’ safety, he feels a deep sense of responsibility. He added that the government will work closely with the U.S. to prevent similar cases in the future and pursue institutional improvements without delay. The presidential office announced that a joint working group with the White House may be created if necessary to prepare short-term solutions to visa-related issues.
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