– Consultations on Measures to Support the Stable Economic Activities of Korean Companies and Nationals in the U.S. –

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held a roundtable meeting in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 9 (local time), with representatives of major Korean companies operating in the United States. The discussion focused on visa-related challenges and other operational difficulties faced by Korean firms, particularly in light of the recent incidents at the Hyundai–LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia.

* Participants included representatives from LG, Hyundai Motor Group, POSCO, Samsung Electronics, Hanwha Qcells, Hanwha Defense, SK, and Korean Air, as well as major business associations such as the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA).

Minister Cho emphasized that the Korean government is making every effort to secure the swift and safe return of Korean nationals detained in Georgia and to prevent any disadvantages or restrictions when they seek to re-enter the United States in the future.

Participants acknowledged the government’s prompt and proactive measures to protect Korean nationals abroad and urged continued ROK-U.S. cooperation to address visa-related challenges. They specifically highlighted the importance of creating a dedicated visa quota (E-4 visa) for skilled Korean professionals, improving the approval rate for E-2 investor visas for employees of Korean companies in the U.S., and clarifying the guidelines for permissible activities under the B-1 business visitor visa, which is most frequently used for short-term business travel by Korean corporate personnel. They emphasized that a consistent application of these guidelines — not only by the U.S. Department of State, but also by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its enforcement agencies — would significantly help reduce uncertainty and support the smooth operation of Korean investments in the United States.

In response, Minister Cho explained that the Korean government has been actively engaging with U.S. government agencies and Congress to promote the Partner with Korea Act, which aims to establish a dedicated visa quota (E-4) for skilled Korean professionals. He further highlighted ongoing efforts, including coordination with U.S. authorities and regular briefings for the business community on visa requirements. Minister Cho reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Korean investors can continue their operations in the U.S. without unnecessary disruption.

Following the meeting, Minister Cho held a virtual conference with the on-site response team near the Folkston Detention Center in Georgia and the Consulate General in Atlanta to review preparations for the safe and swift return of detained nationals. He instructed the team to maintain full readiness until the nationals return home safely.

Separately, Minister Cho reviewed the ongoing high-level communications between the Korean government and key U.S. agencies, including the National Security Council (NSC), the Department of State, and the Department of Homeland Security. He gave further instructions and conveyed key messages, encouraging the swift resolution of the outstanding issues.