US opposition head demands prompt response following US attack on Hyundai-LG factory in Georgia
In a surprising turn of events, US federal authorities arrested 457 people, including over 300 South Koreans, at an EV battery plant site operated by Hyundai Motor Co. and LG Energy Solution Ltd. in Bryan County, Georgia. This incident has sparked diplomatic concerns in South Korea, with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea calling it a serious diplomatic issue tied to the safety of Korean citizens.
The current US Ambassador to Seoul, South Korea, is not explicitly named in the available search results, but Joseph Yun is serving as the acting ambassador in Seoul. Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok, chair of the main opposition People Power Party, has urged the Lee Jae Myung administration to take swift action following this raid.
Jang Dong-hyeok pointed to a "diplomatic gap," noting that the US ambassador post in Seoul has remained vacant since January 2025. He emphasized the need for immediate consular support for the detained individuals and suggested that the government should not be complacent about the achievements from the recent South Korea-US summit and should fulfill its responsibility to safeguard the rights and safety of Korean citizens and entrepreneurs overseas.
The arrests were part of a criminal investigation into unlawful employment practices and other serious federal offenses. The South Korean government launched an emergency response team and dispatched consular officials to the site in coordination with the Korean Consulate in Atlanta. Cho Ki-joong, consul general at the Korean Embassy in Washington, arrived at the site early Friday local time.
Rep. Baek Seung-a, the party's floor spokesperson, urged the opposition to refrain from politicizing the incident. She stated that the National Assembly must respond in a bipartisan manner to protect Korean citizens abroad. The Democratic Party of Korea strongly urged the People Power Party to immediately stop making baseless claims for political confrontation and instead join efforts to protect Korean citizens abroad.
Jang Dong-hyeok also highlighted the need for institutional solutions to employment and visa-related issues for Korean businesses operating abroad. He stated that this situation could lead to broader repercussions for Korean companies and communities across the United States.
In conclusion, the US federal raid on the Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia has raised significant diplomatic concerns in South Korea. The South Korean government is actively working to provide support to the detained South Koreans and is urging the US authorities to address the issues at hand in a timely manner. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights and safety of Korean citizens and entrepreneurs overseas.
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