The U.S. expressed regret to South Korea, stating that it was inappropriate to arrest a South Korean worker.

The U.S. expressed regret to South Korea, stating that it was inappropriate to arrest a South Korean worker, and hopes they continue to work in the U.S.!

On September 14, Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, expressed regret over the incident involving a South Korean citizen being detained by the U.S. during talks with South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yun-joo in Seoul.

Landau said that he hopes both countries will use this incident as an opportunity to improve related systems and strengthen bilateral relations. He stated that President Trump also highly focused on this issue, and the South Korean personnel involved would not face any adverse consequences upon re-entering the U.S.

In the future, the U.S. will strive to avoid similar incidents from happening again. Landau also expressed willingness to accelerate follow-up practical consultations with South Korea, provide institutional guarantees for South Korean companies investing in the U.S., and ensure that visas are processed for South Korean company employees in line with their contributions.

According to current regulations, B-1 visa holders may engage in equipment installation, maintenance, or repair in the U.S. under specific conditions, but they may not directly participate in construction or building work, nor receive wages from U.S. companies.

Despite the fact that companies such as Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution had previously received explanations from the U.S. embassy in South Korea regarding "equipment installation and factory trial operation support," some South Korean personnel holding these types of visas were still targeted in this law enforcement action.

After the incident, the South Korean side reacted strongly. President Lee Jae-myung called for taking "all necessary measures" to deal with the incident. After all, this involves major investment projects of two large South Korean companies in the U.S., shocking the South Korean government and business community.

South Korean media directly described this arrest operation as "betrayal" and "a heavy blow." The editorial of the Dong-A Ilbo stated that the U.S. raid was "shocking" and "this will make South Korean companies in the U.S. feel discouraged."

Videos have caused shock, anger, panic, and even a sense of betrayal within South Korea. On the 6th, LG Energy Solution ordered its employees on business trips in the U.S. to stay at their residences or consider immediately returning to South Korea, and prohibited employees from traveling to the U.S. on business trips.

While the U.S. enthusiastically invites South Korean companies to invest, the immigration authorities are putting handcuffs on South Korean workers. This has caused great shock, anger, and a feeling of betrayal in South Korea. It must be said that in a way, it is also South Korea's own fault.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1843387960055808/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.