U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed "deep regret" over the recent detention of more than 300 South Korean nationals by immigration authorities in Georgia and pledged to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
During a meeting with South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon Joo on September 14, Landau, who is currently visiting Seoul, said the incident should be used as a turning point to improve systems and strengthen the U.S.-South Korea relationship.
Landau added that President Trump is highly interested in the issue and gave assurances that the returned workers would face "no disadvantages" if they seek to re-enter the United States.
The meeting followed an incident where hundreds of Korean workers were detained and subsequently released in Georgia. Vice Minister Park stated that the workers had endured "unfair treatment" and that the event sent a "deep shock" through the South Korean public. He urged the U.S. to take concrete steps to prevent a recurrence.
In response, Landau acknowledged the major contributions of Korean companies to the U.S. economy and manufacturing sector. He agreed to speed up working-level discussions on follow-up measures, including ensuring appropriate visas are issued for Korean workers.
Park also proposed the creation of a new joint "working group" between the two countries' foreign ministries to discuss measures like a tailored visa category for South Korean nationals.
Earlier in the day, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with Landau and urged him to ensure the follow-up measures result in a "win-win" outcome for both nations.
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