• Over 300 South Korean workers detained in US immigration raid return home after diplomatic negotiations.
• The raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia has raised concerns about future investments from South Korean companies.
• President Lee Jae-myung warned the incident could deter further investment in the US due to visa issues.
• South Korean officials are negotiating for a new visa category to ease future work for skilled laborers.
• Images of detained workers caused outrage in South Korea, highlighting cultural differences in immigration enforcement.

More than 300 South Korean workers, detained in a US immigration raid last week at a Hyundai-LG battery plant in Georgia, returned home on a chartered flight after intensive diplomatic negotiations between Seoul and Washington, according to reports from Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The South Korean nationals were among 475 people arrested during the immigration operation, which was the largest single-site raid since President Donald Trump resumed office with a focus on immigration enforcement. President Lee Jae-myung condemned the raid as "bewildering" and warned it could deter future South Korean investments in the United States, according to Reuters and BBC.

As American and South Korean officials engaged in negotiations, the situation remained tense, highlighted by images of workers being handcuffed during the raid that shocked many in South Korea. These proceedings occurred amidst broader discussions about a potential new visa category for South Korean workers, noted South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during his meetings in Washington, as cited by South China Morning Post and NPR.

The workers were ultimately allowed to return home without physical restraints, following backlash from South Korean officials, who argued they were not criminals but rather skilled workers contributing to US manufacturing efforts. The White House reportedly intervened to facilitate their departure without shackles, indicating a recognition of the importance of South Korean investments, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

Following the release, the mood in South Korea has been one of anger and betrayal, with public protests against the US actions and calls for accountability from the Trump administration. Protests have included mocking representations of Trump in association with ICE, emphasizing a growing unease in South Korea regarding its partner’s immigration policies and perceived treatment of workers, as reported by South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.