Lee Jae-myung Hopes U.S. Will Cease Violating Rights of Korean Citizens

　　South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated today (September 9) while presiding over a State Council meeting that he has instructed all government departments to closely consult with the U.S. side to swiftly promote reasonable improvements in relevant systems to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Lee Jae-myung emphasized that, for the sake of bilateral relations, he hopes there will be no further incidents that violate the rights of Korean citizens and corporate activities. He also requested the relevant authorities to continue handling the aftermath properly until all detained Korean citizens return home safely.

　　On September 4, U.S. law enforcement officers conducted a surprise operation at a battery plant jointly operated by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, along with related contractors, arresting 475 workers on suspicion of "illegal residence." More than 300 of those arrested are Korean citizens. The U.S. side claimed that those detained were involved in illegal residence, including illegal entry, entry without a visa but without work permits, and overstaying their visas.

　　Additionally, according to reports today from media outlets such as Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK), at least three Japanese nationals are among the 475 individuals detained by the U.S.