"Serious Concern Over Detention of Korean Nationals"... Minister Kim Jung-kwan Vows to Fully Protect Korean Business Interests in the United States

Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited the construction sites of LG Energy Solution and Hyundai Motor Company in Georgia, USA, where a recent detention incident involving Korean nationals occurred. He stated, "We will make every effort to protect the rights and interests of our companies investing overseas."
According to industry sources on the 19th, Minister Kim held a business roundtable on the 18th (local time) at the construction site of the LG Energy Solution battery plant and at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Savannah, Georgia.
Minister Kim emphasized, "The government takes the recent detention incident and delays in investment projects very seriously. We will do our utmost to ensure the safety of our citizens and protect the rights and interests of companies investing abroad."
He further noted, "Despite this regrettable situation, rechargeable batteries remain a key area of advanced supply chain cooperation between Korea and the USA. The economic and security partnership between the two countries must remain strong and continuous."
Minister Kim also stated, "I want to make it clear that Korea-US cooperation is based on mutual benefit. We will work to establish institutional improvements to ensure that the legitimate rights and interests of our people and companies are not infringed upon in the course of ongoing cooperation."
Encouraging on-site employees working to normalize construction, Minister Kim added, "The government will continue to provide necessary support so that our companies can lead the future mobility industry through AI-based manufacturing innovation."
Regarding visa issues, he explained, "Discussions are underway between the two countries, and we plan to continue consultations with the USA based on the suggestions from our companies."
In addition, during his visit to the USA, Minister Kim met with key officials from the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and other major institutions, urging the American side to actively support Korean companies' investment projects in the country.

aber@fnnews.com Park Ji-young Reporter