Seoul: The foreign ministry of South Korea announced plans to initiate a joint review alongside relevant ministries and involved companies to investigate potential human rights violations during a recent U.S. raid that affected South Korean workers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, 316 South Koreans returned home after being detained for a week in Georgia following a U.S. immigration raid at a car battery plant site co-managed by Hyundai and LG. Reports from local media have surfaced, detailing allegations of extremely poor conditions and harsh treatment during the workers’ detention.

The South Korean workers reported experiencing cramped spaces, mold-covered mattresses, cold temperatures, and restricted access to basic hygiene. Additionally, several workers described being shackled with chains around their waist, legs, and wrists during the arrest and claimed rough treatment by immigration officers. Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong stated in a press briefing that “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the justice ministry, and the companies involved will immediately launch a joint comprehensive review, and we are currently in talks with company officials.”

The government plans to collaborate with company representatives to determine how to conduct the review, including methods for interviewing the detained individuals and other procedural details, Lee added.

The release of the South Korean workers followed intense negotiations between Seoul and Washington, where South Korea emphasized that the rights and dignity of its citizens should not be unjustly violated. Seoul has formally expressed strong regret to Washington regarding the incident.

The workers were released from the detention facility on Thursday and returned home the following day through voluntary departure.