Georgia governor to thank Hyundai, LG, SK, CJ during 3-day visit

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, right, stands next to Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun as he signs an IONIQ 9 electric vehicle during the grand opening of the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Ellabell, Ga., March 26. AP-Yonhap

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp will meet high-level executives from Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution (LGES), SK On and CJ Foodville during his three-day visit to Korea this week, and express his gratitude for their investments in his state.

In an apparent attempt to address negative public sentiment stemming from the mass detention of Korean workers in early September at a construction site in the state, Kemp is also scheduled to join a series of interviews with Korean-language newspapers, though he reportedly does not plan to meet any government officials.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Kemp will arrive in Korea on Thursday morning and leave Saturday morning. This is his third visit to Korea since his inauguration in 2019.

His latest trip was initially arranged to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the state's economic development office in Seoul.

However, the weeklong detention of more than 300 Korean workers has sparked calls for Kemp to offer an apology during his visit. The detentions followed a major immigration raid on Sept. 4 at the construction site of a plant jointly operated by Hyundai Motor and LGES.

In order to discuss the aftermath of the raid and the progress of the plant construction, Kemp is said to be meeting Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chair Chang Jae-hoon on Thursday afternoon and having dinner with him on Friday. LGES CEO Kim Dong-myung and SK On CEO Lee Seok-hee will reportedly meet the governor on Friday.

“Georgia has enjoyed a strong and friendly relationship with the Republic of Korea for 40 years now,” Kemp said. “This visit reflects our commitment to deepening those ties even further, through the creation of opportunities that benefit both our people and our economies.”

His office also said it has worked with the federal government on addressing visa issues, advocating for clarity in these areas.

Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan, fourth from left, speaks during a meeting with workers at the construction site of a battery plant jointly operated by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Savannah, Ga., Saturday. Courtesy of Ministry of Trade and Industry

Rep. Kim Joon-hyung of the minor opposition Rebuilding Korea Party, a former chancellor of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, said Kemp must offer a sincere apology, provide incentives to Korean investors and ensure safety for Korean workers.

Industry officials expect the governor will apologize for the immigration raid, or at least express regret over the incident, though skepticism remains that there is little a state government can do in response to federal government policies.

Even before his visit, Georgia repeatedly emphasized the importance of Korean investment in the state, with Kemp remarking that the raid highlighted the need for U.S. visa system reform.

According to Rep. Lee Un-ju of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, who led a delegation of lawmakers to Texas earlier this week to meet politicians and business leaders in the state, Kemp also made an unexpected appearance at the venue and promised to submit a white paper to the White House to ensure Korean investors and engineers return home safely after finishing their work in Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development also reaffirmed its long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship with Korea at the National Day of the Republic of Korea event on Oct. 8 at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta.

“As Governor Brian Kemp prepares for his mission to Korea later this month, Georgia stands committed to strengthening cultural and business ties, especially during this festive time of Chuseok," the department posted on social media. "Together, we look forward to a future of continued collaboration and success.”

Earlier this week, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte visited Korea to meet with industry leaders and government officials, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee will also travel to Korea this week to meet representatives from Hyosung, LG Chem and SK On, amid intensifying competition among U.S. states to retain Korean investors after the Georgia immigration raid.