【By Observer Net, Wang Yi】According to a report by the "Japan Economic News" on September 9, the joint battery plant of Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, USA was raided by U.S. immigration enforcement authorities last week, resulting in the detention of 475 people. Among them, in addition to more than 300 Korean workers previously widely reported, there were also three Japanese and 8 to 9 Chinese people.

LG Energy Solution revealed on September 9 that the three Japanese detainees were affiliated with a company that produces equipment for manufacturing electric vehicle battery electrodes, while the 8 to 9 Chinese individuals were related to a battery manufacturing equipment supplier.

The "Japan Times" reported that the Japanese embassy in the United States confirmed that it included three Japanese citizens, and Japanese officials visited them on July 7, actively handling the matter.

According to the report, the detained Japanese citizens were dispatched by their Japanese partner company to the joint battery plant in Georgia. Two of them came from HIRANO TECSEED Company in Japan. A senior executive of the company responded that the involved employees have legally obtained visas, and they are currently confirming the relevant details.

On September 9, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Hiroyuki stated at a press conference that Japan has contacted South Korea regarding this matter, but since "this is a diplomatic communication, I will avoid commenting on the content discussed."

Korea Central News Agency reported on September 9 that Korean Air is preparing to deploy a Boeing aircraft with 368 seats as early as October 10 from South Korea to the United States to repatriate the detained South Korean citizens.

On local time September 4, U.S. immigration enforcement authorities conducted a surprise inspection of the joint battery plant of Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, detaining 475 people. South Korean Foreign Minister Choe Young-jin said on June 6 that more than 300 South Korean staff were among those detained. The Mexican Embassy in the United States said over the weekend that it included dozens of Mexicans.

It is understood that the factory inspected this time is a battery production plant jointly established by Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution in 2023, which was announced to be invested 4.3 billion U.S. dollars, and is expected to start operations next year, supplying batteries for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicle models.

Bloomberg in the United States analyzed that this raid cast a shadow over South Korea's investment plan worth billions of U.S. dollars in the United States. The detention of workers related to South Korea's flagship investment project may be seen as a signal by companies that the political and compliance risks of building factories in the United States exceed expectations.

A survey published by the "Korea Economic Daily" on August 8 showed that 57% of 14 Korean companies building factories in the United States are considering adjusting the project schedule.

Korean business figures told the "Chosun Ilbo" that compared to deficits, companies dislike uncertainty more. Further pressure on foreign investment by Trump's second administration, tightening of visa issuance, and shifting immigration policies have made the future situation of the U.S. market even more unpredictable, which will inevitably hinder long-term investment plans of enterprises.

LG Energy Solution previously responded that its human resources director has gone to Georgia, and the company's current top priority is ensuring the "rapid release" of the detained employees. At the same time, the company has suspended most of the travel arrangements to the United States, and "employees currently traveling to the United States are advised to return to the country immediately, or stay at their accommodation and not go out based on their work conditions."

CNN in the United States reported that on June 6, many protesters outside the factory held prominent banners, shouting slogans in Spanish and Korean, demanding justice for hundreds of detained workers. A protester surnamed Kim said, "They have families and relatives, but now they cannot contact them. This raid is disgusting."

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