Lee sends consolation letters to workers released from Georgia immigration detention

Korean workers released from a mass immigration detention in Georgia arrive at Incheon International Airport, Sept. 12. Korea Times photo by Choi Joo-yeon

President Lee Jae Myung has sent letters of consolation to Korean workers released after a weeklong detention in an immigration sweep in the U.S. state of Georgia, pledging efforts to ensure stable business operations in the future, according to the presidential office Monday

In early September, more than 300 Korean workers were arrested and detained from a joint car battery plant run by Hyundai and LG in Bryan County over what U.S. authorities called an investigation into unlawful workplace practices.

The workers returned home a week later after Seoul negotiated their release with Washington. The incident sent shock waves and fueled public anger in Korea, as they had been detained for unclear reasons and video footage showed them being shackled and handcuffed.

Since then, the two countries launched a working group to discuss U.S. visa reforms to better support the entry of Korean businesspeople into the United States and ensure smooth U.S. operations for Korean companies.

"I would first like to offer my heartfelt words of consolation for all that you have endured," Lee said in the letter, according to the presidential office. "I cannot image how frightening and lonely those moments must have been in a foreign land far away from home."

Lee said the "sudden news" had kept him awake at night as he was briefed on the progress of the negotiations for their release, thinking of the "injustice and fear" that must have gripped the workers.

"I sincerely thank you for holding onto hope until the end and enduring the difficult time," Lee said. "Let me also extend my sympathy to your families whose hearts must have been burning as they anxiously waited," he said.

"I am deeply grateful for your trust in the government, and for facing the situation with patience and composure."

Lee went on to say that the incident has made him reflect on the "weight of the president's role and responsibilities," promising to work to ensure no such incidents are repeated.

"The government will mobilize all diplomatic and institutional resources to ensure that the legitimate rights of Korean citizens are not violated anywhere in the world and that our companies can continue their operations safely and freely," he said.

Lee said that the government will work with the U.S. to ensure that none of the workers who were detained will face any disadvantages in their future entry into the U.S.