Seoul completes talks with US to release detained South Korean workers
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US federal agents carrying out a raid on a Hyundai Motor manufacturing facility in Georgia on Sept 4.
PHOTO: AFP
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SEOUL – South Korea has just wrapped up talks with the US for the release of detained Korean workers in Georgia, a presidential official said on Sept 7.
A plane will be on its way to bring back the workers once administrative procedures are completed, South Korean presidential chief of staff Kang Hun-sik said in televised remarks.
US federal agents carried out a raid
More than 300 South Koreans were among the 475 people arrested.
The South Korean Foreign Ministry said late on Sept 6 that First Vice-Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo told US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker in a telephone call that it was regrettable the incident “occurred at a critical time, when the momentum of trust and cooperation between the two leaders, forged through their first summit, must be maintained”.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met US President President Trump in Washington on Aug 25.
Mr Park also asked Ms Hooker to ensure a fair and swift resolution to the matter.
“The economic activities of our companies that have invested in the US and the rights and interests of our citizens should not be unfairly infringed upon during the course of US law enforcement,” he said.
The video and photos of the raid, which involved a helicopter and armoured vehicles, showed hundreds of workers standing in front of a building, some wearing yellow vests with the names “Hyundai” or “LG CNS”.
Two workers hid in a pond before they were arrested.
South Korean leader Mr Lee ordered a swift all-out response to the arrests, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said at an emergency meeting on Sept 7. Mr Cho added that he may go to Washington to meet US officials if needed.
LG Energy Solution, which is working with Hyundai to build the factory, said it had asked employees to return from US business trips while suspending travel to America except for customer meetings.
Hyundai Motor said it would investigate its suppliers and their sub-contractors to ensure they meet regulations.
Seoul has recently reached a major trade deal with Washington, which includes a US$350 billion (S$450 billion) fund to help South Korean companies enter the US market.
US leader Trump may visit South Korea in October for the gathering of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation event, CNN reported on Sept 6, citing three Trump administration officials.
Mr Kang on Sept 7 said the government will seek ways to improve the visa system of Korean workers travelling to the US to “prevent a similar incident”. REUTERS
