US Official Expresses Regret Over Detention of Hundreds of South Korean Workers

US Official Offers Regrets Over Detention of South Koreans SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed regret on Sunday over the recent detention of hundreds of South Korean workers in Georgia. The 316 workers returned home on a chartered jet Friday after being detained by US immigration authorities. Landau acknowledged that the workers would face no disadvantage when re-entering the US, according to South Korea's foreign ministry. He made the statement during a Korea-US vice foreign ministerial meeting in Seoul. "We regret any inconvenience or distress caused to these individuals," Landau said. The detention sparked public outcry in South Korea after images of restrained workers were circulated on social media. The workers had been dispatched to help get a Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution Ltd. battery plant under construction in Georgia up and running. Landau recognized the significant role Korean companies play in revitalizing US manufacturing. "We value our partnership with South Korea, particularly in areas such as trade and investment," he said. The detention was part of a sweeping raid on the hotlink Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution Ltd. battery plant under construction in Georgia. The incident has raised questions about US immigration policies and their impact on international workers. US officials have maintained that the detention was necessary to ensure compliance with immigration laws. However, critics argue that the move was overly aggressive and may have unintended consequences for future business partnerships between the two countries. The South Korean government has expressed concern over the incident and is seeking clarification from US authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul stated that it would continue to monitor the situation closely. Landau's statement on Sunday marked a rare instance of a high-ranking US official expressing regret over an incident involving detained foreign workers. The move was seen as a gesture of goodwill towards South Korea, which has been a key partner for the US in trade and investment. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries regarding immigration policies and their impact on international business partnerships. As the US continues to grapple with its own immigration challenges, the detention of South Korean workers serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing global labor forces. In related news, the US Department of Homeland Security has announced plans to review its immigration procedures following the incident. The move is seen as an effort to address concerns raised by international partners and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The current status of the detained workers remains unclear, but it is expected that they will be allowed to re-enter the US without facing any penalties. As for Landau's statement, it marks a significant shift in tone from previous US officials who have maintained a more hardline stance on immigration issues. *Reporting by Fortune.*