Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Probe into potential human rights abuses in Georgia raid to begin soon: FM
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a press conference with foreign correspondents in Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
Korea's top diplomat sees Xi Jinping's APEC attendance as 'quite likely'
Korea’s top diplomat said Friday that the government is actively pursuing an investigation into alleged human rights violations affecting Korean workers detained by U.S. immigration authorities at a factory in Georgia. The incident has intensified diplomatic tensions between the allies, raising concerns over labor protections and the broader implications for bilateral relations.
"Potential human rights violations are a matter of concern for the government as they involve the rights of Korean citizens. That is why we are set to begin an investigation," Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said during a press conference with foreign correspondents in Seoul.
"We plan to look at their visa status, what they did in Georgia and the kind of human rights infringements that were potentially inflicted upon them. After the investigation is finished, we'll be able to have a whole picture about what has actually happened."
But the minister stopped short of outlining the next steps or detailing any requests to Washington following the investigation, saying only, "there is no alternative objective of the probe at this stage."
He also declined to comment on when the workers might return to Georgia, saying that the decisions should be made by companies involved.
Cho's remarks came as officials in Seoul prepare to investigate the treatment of more than 300 Korean workers following their abrupt arrest during an immigration raid at a Georgia battery plant jointly operated by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution on Sept. 4 (local time). The workers returned home last Friday after negotiations between the two governments.
A Korean worker who had been detained by U.S. immigration authorities in Georgia reunites with his family after arriving at Incheon International Airport, Sept. 12. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Separate from the probe, the Korean government is in talks with U.S. officials on ways to improve the visa system for Korean workers. The fallout from the raid comes at a sensitive time, with Seoul preparing to implement a $350 billion U.S. investment pledge as part of a broader tariff deal.
While Cho stressed that the resolving visa issue is "not a precondition for Korean firms' investment in the U.S.," but added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that it is resolved in one way or another before substantial investments begin."
Regarding relations with China, Cho said President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be hosted by Korea in late October could serve as "great momentum" for bilateral ties.
Earlier this week, Cho made his first trip to China since taking office, where he met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
"President Xi Jinping is quite likely to visit Korea and attend APEC. However, I must say that this is something to be announced by the Chinese government," Cho told reporters.
If realized, the Chinese leader's visit would be his first to Korea since 2014.
Amid discussion of a potential visit by Xi, concerns have grown over a surge in anti-China protests in Seoul, largely led by far-right groups. Some demonstrators have torn up or burned photos of Xi, prompting worries in diplomatic circles that the unrest could strain Korea-China relations.
"If they go too far, I'm sure that we need to look at domestic legislation," Cho said when asked about the protests. He also cited the Vienna Convention, which governs diplomatic relations, and other international treaties as possible means to address the demonstrations.