South Korean Workers Detained at Hyundai-LG EV Plant in Georgia Expected to Return Home Soon
Hundreds of South Korean nationals detained by U.S. immigration authorities while working at an electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant operated by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Ellabell, Georgia, are anticipated to return to South Korea imminently. A Korean Air Boeing 747-8I, which departed Seoul, arrived at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Wednesday to facilitate the repatriation flight.
Despite the arrival of the chartered plane, U.S. officials have not publicly confirmed the exact timing or conditions for the release of the detained workers. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, who traveled to Washington, D.C., met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday morning to discuss urgent measures to secure the workers’ return.
A spokesperson from South Korea’s Foreign Ministry indicated that approximately 300 LG Energy Solution employees were expected to be flown home on Wednesday, although specific flight details remained pending at midday.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung addressed the issue during a cabinet meeting, affirming, “Our nationals who had been detained by U.S. immigration authorities will soon be returning home.” Lee, who met with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 25, has since publicly criticized the mass detention following the September 4 raid.
“I hope that there will never again be an unjust infringement upon the activities of our people and companies in pursuit of the shared development of South Korea and the United States,” President Lee stated. He further committed to working closely with U.S. authorities to implement institutional reforms aimed at preventing similar occurrences.
The raid resulted in the detention of 475 individuals, primarily subcontractors, who were reportedly lacking proper work documentation. This enforcement action occurred shortly after South Korea announced a $500 billion investment plan in strategic U.S. industries, which includes a $26 billion commitment from Hyundai Motor Group.
The incident has drawn attention to the complexities of labor compliance within multinational manufacturing projects and the diplomatic sensitivities involved in large-scale bilateral economic cooperation.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The expected repatriation of detained South Korean workers may alleviate immediate diplomatic tensions and operational disruptions at the Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery plant in Georgia. However, uncertainty remains regarding the long-term impact on supply chain continuity and investor confidence, especially amid heightened scrutiny of labor compliance in U.S. manufacturing sectors.
Investors should monitor further developments on regulatory responses and potential institutional reforms proposed by both governments. Any prolonged workforce instability or diplomatic friction could negatively affect Hyundai and LG Energy Solution’s U.S. expansion plans.
Impact: neutral
