Korean Worker Who Chose to Remain in U.S. Released on Bail After 22 Days...Legal Process Remains

by Son Seonhee

Published 27 Sep.2025 09:12(KST)

Of the 317 Korean workers who were arrested at the battery factory construction site in Georgia, United States, on the 4th (local time), 316 have returned to Korea, while the only worker who chose to remain locally was reportedly released on bail on the 26th. This comes 22 days after being detained at a local U.S. detention facility.

U.S. immigration enforcement authorities released videos and photos on their website on the 4th (local time) showing illegal stay and employment raids at the construction site of the joint battery factory between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Georgia. September 6, 2025, Yonhap News Agency

According to Yonhap News Agency on the 27th, the legal team representing a Korean national, identified as Lee, who was held at an immigration detention center in Folkston, Georgia, stated that Lee was released on bail that day. On the 25th, the Georgia office of the federal immigration court granted bail to Lee, and he paid the court-designated bail amount to immigration authorities. As a result, all Korean nationals arrested at the Georgia factory site have now been released from detention.

It is reported that Lee had applied for permanent residency with immigration authorities after marrying his wife, who is a U.S. citizen. Unlike the other detained workers, he had also obtained an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows him to work legally in the United States. Accordingly, Lee is expected to proceed with the subsequent legal process while out on bail.