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Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Ellabell, Savannah, Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai Motor Company) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Seoul – President Lee Jae-myung on September 9 addressed the recent detention of Korean nationals by U.S. immigration authorities, stating during a Cabinet meeting:
“Our citizens who had been detained are expected to return home soon. As the President, who bears ultimate responsibility for the safety of the people, I feel a deep sense of responsibility.”
President Lee instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and other government agencies to ensure meticulous management until all detainees return safely.
He further emphasized: “I hope that no unfair infringement will again be imposed on the activities of our people and companies engaged in Korea-U.S. partnership. To prevent any recurrence, we will move swiftly to pursue reasonable institutional improvements in close consultation with the United States.”
The President also underscored that mutual trust and alliance spirit must underpin bilateral negotiations. The government disclosed it had already lodged a strong protest with the U.S. over the detentions.
Charter Flight Arrangements
To repatriate the detained Koreans, a charter flight will depart as early as September 10. According to aviation industry sources, Korean Air is preparing to deploy a Boeing 747-8i aircraft from Incheon International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The wide-body aircraft has a capacity of 368 seats, sufficient to transport the more than 300 detained Koreans in a single flight.
The aircraft will fly empty from Korea to the U.S., then return with the passengers.
The return flight is expected to depart Atlanta late on September 10 (local time) and arrive at Incheon late on September 11 (KST).
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
