Hundreds of last week returned to their country, ending an episode that tensioned relations between Washington and Seoul and raised doubts about billions of dollars in planned South Korea investments in the US.
A Korean Air Lines plane with 330 people-316 of them South Koreans-landed on Friday (12) at Inteon International Airport, where they were warmly received by anxious family members. The landing lobby was agitated, with side -by -side filming teams and cameras focused on the exit doors.
Outside, more than 10 buses were waiting in formation, while family and friends waved with welcome posters. Between the crowd was a six -month -old baby waiting for his father’s return, and a pregnant woman was among the passengers.
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Relatives cried and colleagues held posters with the words “welcome back, free and safe” in scenes of relief and joy as the workers entered the lobby.
“I couldn’t sleep – anxiety caused me insomnia,” said Cho Yangsoon, 67, who was waiting with his daughter and daughter -in -law to welcome his 46 -year -old son, who left for the US three months ago to work on the installation of pipes. “Each day was unbearable, not knowing what had happened,” he added.
“Silence was the hardest part. For days there was no news, no calls, nothing but the news. It was suffocating,” he added.
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The unprecedented operation at the Hyundai Motor CO.-LG Energy Solution Ltd Battery Factory. Under construction in Georgia generated public revolt in South Korea, affecting the popularity of President Lee Jae Myung. The president’s approval fell 5 percentage points in a week to 58%, according to the latest Gallup Korea poll released on Friday, with the diplomatic situation pointed out as the main reason.
The September 4 operation took place just two weeks after Lee and President Donald Trump made a summit to reaffirm economic and security ties after a trade agreement that includes Seoul’s promise to invest $ 350 billion in the US.
Hyundai CEO José Muñoz said in an interview on Thursday (11) that the impact spreading through the industry.
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Although both countries have tried to minimize the incident damage, last week’s initial images showing handcuffed workers in a place that symbolizes South Korea’s investment in the US shocked the Asian nation.
Lee said on Thursday that the incident may significantly impact direct investment in the US, as Korean companies are afraid of a possible migratory repression.
President Lee’s chief of staff Kang Hoon-Sik received workers who have returned and told the press that the government will seek to improve the US visa system, including the possibility of creating a new visa category. He said LG Energy plans to send other workers to the US, but advised those who have just returned not to return immediately.
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A woman, who ordered anonymity, said she lost contact with her husband for three days after the operation and registered a police report before being sent to the consulate in Atlanta. She stated that operations are not uncommon, with workers often hiding in cars until inspectors leave, but this time the authorities have removed people. After a last message from her husband saying she was in a car, the communication ceased. Despite the event, she expects him to return to the US due to the highest salary.
The consequences of the operation aggravate the tensions around a July trade agreement that has not yet been formalized in writing. The US imposed a 15% rate on most Korean imports and agreed at the same rate for cars and auto parts. But Trump has not yet signed an executive order to reduce car tariffs, and both sides remain divided on Seoul’s promise of investment, a fundamental part of the agreement.
With the repression putting billions on Korean investments at risk, US Secretary Howard Lutnick said in an interview with CNBC that South Korea must accept the commercial agreement that requires investment in the US or facing tariffs. He added that Trump plans to facilitate short -term visas for qualified foreign workers needed to build new factories.
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“Considering that Trump is a master in creating levers, there is a great chance that he tries to use this incident in his favor – basically saying ‘I will give the visas, so come.’ Lutnick has said it clearly,” Park Won Gon, an international relations professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, said.
In Japan, a similar $ 550 billion investment commitment allows Trump to increase rates if Tokyo does not fund projects within 45 days. This clause was included in a memorandum of understanding released shortly after Trump signs an order by reducing car tariffs from Japan to 15%.
Lee will probably try to resist signing an unequal deal, but “the situation does not seem favorable to South Korea,” Park said, citing the deal with Japan.
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Korean automakers face strong pressure as the Japanese now have an advantage over their competitors, Kathleen Oh, chief economist for Morgan Stanley Korea, said in a recent report.
South Korea exports to the US fell 12% in August compared to the previous year, a significant drop for a highly dependent economy of foreign sales. And the pressure can increase.
“Remember, security demands have not even been discussed yet,” said Professor Park, referring to Trump’s likely requirement to pay more for the hosting of US troops in the country. “Honestly, I don’t see how South Korea can resist.”
© 2025 Bloomberg L.P.
