Gov. Brian Kemp expresses gratitude on partnership with South Korea in statement

SEOUL, South Korea (WRBL) — Gov. Brian Kemp landed in South Korea on Thursday for a business trip and to strengthen ties with the country.

The trip comes nearly one month after ICE raided a Hyundai Motor Group battery plant close to Savannah.

Kemp posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter that expressed his gratitude for the country and touched on the expanded partnership between the country and the State of Georgia.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Impact of ICE raid on Hyundai battery plant felt from Georgia to South Korea

“We are honored to celebrate 40 years of economic partnership with the Republic of Korea. This partnership has expanded opportunity in both our state and Korea, and has contributed to Georgia being voted the top state for business for 12 years in a row. We are excited to extend these partnerships for decades to come as we continue to grow together.”

The ICE raid that happened in September resulted in nearly 475 people being detained, with more than 300 of them South Korean nationals.

The raid had raised concerns in Georgia, where a South Korean company recently committed to building a $223 million facility and employing more than 500 people in Columbus.

The raids were felt globally and led to many being confused, including Dr. Daewoo Lee, interim chair of the Policy, Justice, and Public Safety Department at Columbus State University.

“In one word, it’s unfortunate,” Lee said. “There’s a little bit of confusion between both sides — U.S. as well as South Korea. And there are many positive, mutually beneficial activities going on between South Korea and Georgia. But because of some confusion, this happened. And it is just unfortunate. But I think things are getting cleared up and moving in the right direction.”

South Korea’s partnership with Georgia dates back to 2005, when Kia opened its manufacturing plant in West Point. That partnership expanded with Hyundai’s new $7.6 billion facility near Savannah.