South Korea, October 23, 2025
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp visited South Korea to meet with officials from Hyundai and LG. The discussions centered around enhancing economic ties and attracting Korean investments to Georgia. The governor aimed to address recent challenges in collaboration, focusing on job growth and sustaining a productive partnership with South Korean companies.
Atlanta, Georgia – Governor Brian Kemp is currently on a three-day economic development mission to South Korea to enhance relationships with major Korean companies in Georgia, including Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, SK On, and CJ Foodville. This visit follows an immigration raid in September at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia, which resulted in the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers over alleged visa issues. These workers were released after diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and South Korea, raising concerns about potential delays in the plant’s launch and issues regarding U.S. visa availability for specialized foreign labor.
During this visit, Governor Kemp aims to reaffirm Georgia’s commitment to its Korean partners and address the tensions arising from the immigration incident. The delegation is scheduled to meet with executives from Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution to discuss ongoing projects and explore future collaborations. This trip is particularly significant as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of Georgia’s representation in Seoul, highlighting the long-standing economic ties between the state and South Korea.
The Hyundai-LG battery plant, a $4.3 billion project, is a key part of Hyundai’s broader $12.6 billion investment in Georgia, representing the largest economic development project in the state’s history. The plant will primarily supply batteries for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicle models. In response to the recent challenges, the U.S. has agreed to ease visa regulations for South Korean engineers, facilitating smoother collaboration on investment projects. In 2024, Georgia’s trade with South Korea exceeded $17.5 billion, making South Korea the state’s third-largest trading partner.
This initiative by Governor Kemp underscores the importance of nurturing robust economic relations with South Korean companies, which have played a vital role in Georgia’s economic growth and job creation. The state’s proactive approach aims to resolve recent challenges and ensure the ongoing success of these valuable international partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of Governor Kemp’s visit to South Korea?
Governor Brian Kemp is visiting South Korea to strengthen economic ties with major Korean corporations operating in Georgia, including Hyundai Motor, LG Energy Solution, SK On, and CJ Foodville. This visit aims to address tensions arising from a recent immigration raid and to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Georgia’s representation in Seoul.
What incident prompted this visit?
In September, an immigration raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia led to the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers for allegedly lacking proper work visas. The workers were released after diplomatic negotiations, but the incident raised concerns about potential delays in the plant’s launch and highlighted challenges related to U.S. visa availability for specialized foreign labor.
What is the significance of the Hyundai-LG battery plant?
The Hyundai-LG battery plant is a $4.3 billion venture and a key component of Hyundai’s broader $12.6 billion investment in Georgia. The facility is expected to supply batteries for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicle models, marking the largest economic development project in the state’s history.
How has the U.S. addressed the visa issue for South Korean engineers?
The U.S. has agreed to ease visa rules for South Korean engineers, facilitating smoother investment collaborations and addressing the challenges highlighted by the recent immigration raid.
What is the current trade relationship between Georgia and South Korea?
In 2024, South Korea was Georgia’s third-largest trading partner, with trade surpassing $17.5 billion, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong economic ties between the two regions.
Key Features of the Hyundai-LG Battery Plant Project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $4.3 billion |
| Parent Companies | Hyundai Motor and LG Energy Solution |
| Location | Georgia, USA |
| Purpose | Supply batteries for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis electric vehicle models |
| Significance | Largest economic development project in Georgia’s history |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: Construction FL News
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