In a bold display of alliance solidarity, South Korea is dispatching a chartered Korean Air Boeing 747-8i from Incheon to Atlanta as early as Wednesday. The flight will repatriate hundreds of nationals detained during last week’s massive U.S. immigration raid.
The enforcement action targeted a $4.3 billion Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia, resulting in the arrest of roughly 300 South Koreans alongside 175 other foreign workers. It marked the largest single-site operation in the history of the Department of Homeland Security’s investigative efforts.
At a recent cabinet meeting, President Lee Jae Myung said he felt a heavy sense of responsibility for the detained nationals and vowed to negotiate with Washington in the spirit of the U.S.–South Korea alliance. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is already in the U.S. capital to seek guarantees that returning workers will be allowed to re-enter under clear terms.
The 368-seat 747-8i charter underscores Seoul’s commitment to protecting its overseas workforce. It also reflects broader efforts to balance firm immigration enforcement with the realities of a globalized labor market—an issue that resonates with entrepreneurs, travellers, and digital nomads alike.
Back home, a Realmeter poll found nearly 60 percent of South Koreans view the raid as excessive, raising concerns about the treatment of foreign workers and potential impacts on ongoing trade talks with Washington. As negotiations proceed, this episode highlights the delicate interplay between upholding legal frameworks and maintaining robust international partnerships.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
