Washington: Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Seoul's top diplomat on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed him to take immediate measures reflecting South Korea's wishes concerning its nationals detained during a recent U.S. immigration raid, the foreign ministry reported. The conversation took place during Rubio's meeting with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Washington, signaling a positive development in Seoul's efforts to ensure the early repatriation of approximately 300 Koreans detained at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site in Georgia, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho urged Rubio to facilitate the prompt return of the Korean workers without the use of physical restraints, such as handcuffs, and to ensure they face no future entry disadvantages into the United States. Cho conveyed the "deep concerns" about the "big scar" and "shock" experienced by Korean citizens witnessing the public arrest of South Korean workers who were in the U.S. to contribute to domestic manufacturing efforts. Rubio acknowledged President Trump's understanding of the sensitivity of the issue and his positive regard for South Korea's investment in revitalizing the U.S. economy.
The ministry highlighted Rubio's commitment to swift consultations and actions to align with South Korea's wishes, urging cooperation on immediate follow-up measures. Cho also suggested the creation of a working group to explore options, including a new visa category, to prevent similar detentions in the future. The ministry confirmed active working-level consultations with the U.S. to expedite the release and return of the detained citizens.
During their discussions, the diplomats also reviewed future diplomatic engagements, including summit-level talks. Cho advocated for the publication of outcomes from the Aug. 25 summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Trump and the enforcement of related follow-up measures. Rubio assured that Washington would explore options post an internal review.
On North Korean matters, Rubio reiterated the U.S.'s openness to dialogue with Pyongyang and commitment to collaborate closely with South Korea. Cho affirmed South Korea's role as a "pacemaker" for peace promotion on the Korean Peninsula, as emphasized by President Lee during his summit with Trump. The minister also conveyed Lee's regards to Trump, expressing Seoul's intent to strengthen the alliance based on the bond formed during the summit.
In a separate briefing, Tommy Pigott, the State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, noted Rubio's appreciation of South Korea's investment in the U.S. and interest in deepening cooperation. The diplomats highlighted their dedication to countering the threats from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and discussed advancing their alliance through a forward-looking agenda that enhances deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and promotes equitable defense burden sharing.
Pigott emphasized the lasting strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance, described as the linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region for over 70 years.