Washington: Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Seoul's top diplomat on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump has directed him to take prompt actions reflecting South Korea's desires regarding its nationals detained in a recent U.S. immigration crackdown, the foreign ministry stated.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rubio's comments during discussions with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Washington were seen as positive for Seoul's efforts to secure the early repatriation of approximately 300 Koreans detained during last week's raid at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site for a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Georgia.
Cho urged Rubio to permit the Korean workers to return home swiftly without physical restraints, such as handcuffs, and to ensure they face no future reentry disadvantages into the United States, as per the ministry's report.
He expressed "deep concerns" over the "big scar" and "shock" experienced by Korean citizens witnessing the public arrest of South Korean workers who had traveled to the U.S. to share technology and expertise in support of U.S. domestic manufacturing revitalization efforts, the ministry noted.
Rubio assured that President Trump understands the sensitivity of the matter to Koreans and values South Korea's investment and role in revitalizing the U.S. economy and manufacturing. The ministry's press release highlighted Trump's instructions for swift consultations to ensure that actions align with South Korean wishes, if feasible, and emphasized cooperation on quick follow-up measures.
Cho also suggested forming a working group to explore various options, including a new visa category, to prevent a recurrence of such detentions, the ministry reported.
According to the meeting's outcome, the South Korean government is actively engaging in working-level consultations with the U.S. and is making every effort to ensure the prompt release and return of their citizens from detention.
Seoul initially aimed to secure the release of the Korean workers from a detention center in Folkston, Georgia, on Wednesday morning, with plans for their departure on a chartered Korean Air plane in the afternoon. However, their release has been delayed due to unspecified U.S. circumstances, the ministry mentioned.
During the talks, the top diplomats also discussed future high-level diplomatic schedules, including summit-level talks. Cho emphasized the need to publish a document detailing outcomes from the Aug. 25 summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump and urged cooperation on related follow-up measures. Rubio indicated that Washington would explore possible options following an internal review, the ministry added.
On the subject of North Korea, Rubio reiterated Washington's openness to dialogue with Pyongyang and its commitment to maintaining close cooperation with South Korea. Cho stated that South Korea will act as a "pacemaker" to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, echoing President Lee's sentiments during his summit with Trump.
Cho also conveyed President Lee's special regards to Trump, highlighting Seoul's desire to strengthen the robust alliance based on the bond forged between Lee and Trump at the summit, according to the ministry.
In a separate statement, Tommy Pigott, the State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, noted that Rubio welcomed South Korea's investment in the U.S. and expressed interest in deepening cooperation in this area.
The chief diplomats emphasized their shared commitment to countering the destabilizing threats posed by North Korea's unlawful nuclear and missile programs, Pigott stated.
They also discussed advancing the bilateral alliance through a forward-looking agenda that strengthens deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, expands equitable defense burden sharing, revitalizes American manufacturing through ROK investment in shipbuilding and other strategic sectors, and promotes a fair and reciprocal trade partnership, according to the spokesperson.
Pigott highlighted that the top diplomats underscored the lasting strength of the alliance, which has been the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the Indo-Pacific for over 70 years.