Kim Jung-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, visited LG Energy Solution's battery factory site in Georgia and Hyundai Motor Group's Metaplant America to assess construction progress and address industry concerns after workers were detained at the LG site last month.
"The government takes the recent U.S. detention incident and investment project delays very seriously," Kim said during the site visits on Saturday, local time. "We will make every effort to ensure the safety of our citizens and protect the rights of companies' overseas investments."
Despite the setback, Kim stressed that batteries remain a key area of advanced supply chain cooperation between Seoul and Washington, urging that bilateral economic security ties must remain robust. He said the government would pursue institutional improvements to prevent infringement on legitimate rights of Korean citizens and companies.
Seoul and Washington are currently operating a working group on commercial visits and visas to address related issues, with discussions ongoing based on corporate feedback, the ministry said.
The government also plans to help minimize uncertainties over importing materials and equipment to local factories, ease compliance burdens with environmental regulations, and boost electric vehicle demand amid sluggish market conditions.
Kim encouraged construction workers striving to normalize operations at the LG site and urged companies to pay close attention to on-site safety management. At the Hyundai plant, he pledged continued government support for manufacturing innovation using artificial intelligence and robotics.
reporter
Kim Dong-young
davekim0807@ajupress.com
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