"US Releases South Korean Workers from Detention in Georgia Plant Deal"

South Korea Secures Deal for Release of Detained Workers at Georgia Plant In a major breakthrough, South Korea and the United States have reached an agreement to release over 300 South Korean workers detained in a massive immigration raid at a Hyundai plant in Georgia. According to the South Korean government, the deal will allow the workers to return home on a charter plane once administrative steps are completed. The workers were among 475 people arrested by US immigration authorities during a raid on the plant last week. The agreement marks a resolution to a tense situation that had strained relations between the two countries. "We have reached an agreement with the United States for the release of our citizens," said Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik in a statement. "This is a significant development, and we are grateful for the efforts made by both sides to resolve this issue." The Hyundai plant in question is located in Ellabell, Georgia, and was the site of a massive immigration raid on September 4, 2025. According to reports, the workers were detained following an investigation into allegations of visa fraud and other immigration-related offenses. The deal comes after days of negotiations between South Korean officials and US authorities. The agreement is seen as a significant step towards improving relations between the two countries, which had been strained by the detention of the South Korean workers. "This development is a positive sign for our bilateral relationship," said a spokesperson for the South Korean embassy in Washington. The release of the detained workers will be facilitated through a charter plane that will transport them back to South Korea. The exact date and time of their departure have not been confirmed, but officials say it will happen soon. "We are working closely with US authorities to ensure a smooth transition," said Kang Hoon-sik. The incident has sparked widespread outrage in South Korea, with many calling for the release of the detained workers. Human rights groups and labor unions had also expressed concern over the treatment of the workers and the impact on their families. In related news, Hyundai Motor Group has faced criticism over its handling of the situation. The company has denied any wrongdoing but acknowledged that it was cooperating fully with US authorities. The South Korean government has hailed the deal as a major victory, saying it demonstrates the country's commitment to protecting its citizens abroad. "We will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens," said Kang Hoon-sik. As the situation continues to unfold, officials on both sides are working to finalize the details of the agreement. The release of the detained workers is seen as a significant step towards normalizing relations between South Korea and the US. Attribution: This article was written based on information from NPR News and NPR Politics. Quotes and statements attributed to Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik are according to the South Korean government's statement. Additional details and context provided by various sources, including reports and expert opinions. This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and NPR Politics.