Trump's "Illegal Aliens" Comment Sparks Fury in Seoul Amid Detention of Hundreds of South Korean Workers

Breaking News: Anger in Seoul as Trump Calls Detained South Korea Workers 'Illegal Aliens' In a shocking turn of events, US President Donald Trump sparked outrage in Seoul yesterday when he referred to hundreds of detained South Korean workers as "illegal aliens" during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the White House. The comments came just hours after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 475 workers, including over 300 South Koreans, at a Hyundai Motor-LG car battery factory in Georgia. Timeline of Events August 25, 2025: US President Donald Trump meets with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the White House. September 6, 2025: ICE agents arrest 475 workers, including over 300 South Koreans, at a Hyundai Motor-LG car battery factory in Georgia. September 6, 2025 (evening): US President Donald Trump refers to detained South Korean workers as "illegal aliens" during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Immediate Impact and Response South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has instructed officials to swiftly resolve the matter, stressing that the rights and interests of South Korean nationals must be protected. The South Korean government has also ordered all-out efforts to respond to the arrests, which have sparked widespread anger in Seoul. Background Context The arrest of hundreds of workers at the Hyundai Motor-LG car battery factory is the largest single-site enforcement operation carried out by ICE this year. The incident highlights the complex issues surrounding immigration and labor rights in the US, particularly for foreign nationals working in the country's manufacturing sector. What Happens Next As tensions between Washington and Seoul continue to rise, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. The South Korean government has vowed to take swift action to protect its citizens' rights, while the US administration faces mounting criticism over Trump's comments. Stay tuned for further updates as this breaking news story continues to develop. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Aljazeera reporting.*