South Korea Halts US Projects Awaiting Visa Fix Resolution

In September 2025, a significant diplomatic and economic issue emerged between South Korea and the United States. Following a large-scale immigration raid at a Hyundai Motor battery plant in Georgia, over 300 South Korean workers were detained for alleged visa violations. This incident has led to a halt in several major South Korean investment projects in the U.S., including a $350 billion investment package tied to a bilateral trade agreement. South Korean officials, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, have emphasized that without resolving the visa issues, meaningful progress on these projects remains virtually impossible. The situation has raised concerns about the future of U.S.-South Korea industrial collaboration and the broader implications for international business relations.