On Sept. 4, US law enforcement detained more than 300 South Korean nationals in Georgia, sparking widespread controversy. On Sept. 12, these individuals returned to South Korea, and on Sept. 14, South Korean media published a "detention diary" secretly written by one of the workers. The diary revealed that the detainees were subjected to humiliating treatment "like prisoners of war," including moldy beds, foul-smelling water, and ignored pleas for help from pregnant women. On Sept. 15, the South Korean presidential office announced that it would investigate whether the human rights of the detained South Korean nationals were violated. This incident has further strained US–South Korea relations, which were already under pressure as trade negotiations over tariffs remain at an impasse.
ICE raid detains 317 South Korean nationals
On Sept. 4, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a raid in Georgia targeting a battery plant jointly operated by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution, as well as related contractors. The operation resulted in the detention of 317 South Korean nationals. Footage released by ICE showed individuals being searched with their hands pressed against buses, followed by chains binding their hands, feet, and waists before being escorted into vehicles. Under the diplomatic efforts by South Korea, 316 of the detainees returned to South Korea on Sept. 12.
"Detention diary" exposes the US's poor treatment
On Sept. 14, Yonhap News Agency published the "detention diary" of one of the detained Korean workers, which detailed the harsh conditions they endured. The workers were confined in temporary collective dormitories with no clocks or windows, where the beds were moldy, and the water was foul-smelling. Interrogators were reportedly unable to clearly articulate the reasons for their detention, only stating that "higher-ups deemed it illegal."
The diary, written by a South Korean national under the pseudonym "A," revealed that he had entered the US on a valid B-1 business visa to attend business meetings and training sessions. Despite this, he was accused of violating work visa regulations. A described the raid as a "military operation," involving approximately 400 federal and state law enforcement officers, as well as helicopters and drones.
A recounted that he never imagined he would be detained, thinking it was merely a routine inquiry. "But then they suddenly took out handcuffs and restrained us without any explanation," he wrote. The workers were shackled like prisoners, with handcuffs, waist chains, and ankle restraints, before being sent to ICE detention centers, where they were ordered to strip for body searches.
Conditions in the detention center were described as cramped, with hundreds of people packed into dormitory-style cells. The extreme cold forced detainees to warm themselves by heating towels in a microwave. The mattresses were moldy, the water smelled bad, and medical services were inadequate. A pregnant woman seeking help was reportedly ignored.
According to A, for the first three days of detention, US officials offered no explanation for their actions. During an interrogation, A questioned the agent, stating that he had entered the country legally with a valid visa and asked why he was being detained. The agent allegedly admitted he did not know, only saying, "Our superiors deemed this illegal."
In the closing remarks of the diary, A expressed anger, stating that the US treated the citizens of its ally "like prisoners of war, humiliating them."
South Korea's "gift package" met with betrayal
The diary triggered a strong response in South Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has stated that the rights of these South Korean nationals had been "unjustly violated," and the incident would make South Korean businesses hesitant and concerned about investing in the US. On Sept. 15, the South Korean presidential office announced that it would investigate whether the detained South Korean nationals had their human rights violated. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that a thorough investigation would be conducted and necessary measures would be taken.
In response to South Korea's strong protests, US President Donald Trump posted on social media on Sept. 14, stating that in the production of chips, semiconductors, and many other products, US personnel need to learn from foreign workers. He expressed hope that foreign companies' skilled personnel could help train their American counterparts. Trump also said he had no intention of "frightening off or disincentivizing investment into America by outside countries or companies," adding, "We welcome them, we welcome their employees."
South Korean public opinion, however, has been critical of the US government's inconsistent attitudes and the shock, anger, and fear caused by the arrests. Some South Korean political parties stated that this incident inflicted "deep humiliation" on South Korea, as the country had promised the US a "massive investment package" in trade agreements, only to be "betrayed in return."
According to The Korea JoongAng Daily, disagreements persist over the US$350 billion investment South Korea pledged to the US. While the US demands more direct cash investments, South Korea prefers to ease the burden of direct investments through policy bank loans and guarantees. Last week, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned South Korea that it must comply with US demands or risk restoring the agreed 15% tariffs to 25%. The South Korean presidential office strongly denied this, stating that it would not engage in negotiations that lack fairness.
(Source: Ta Kung Pao; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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