South Korea, October 22, 2025
News Summary
Governor Brian Kemp is set to embark on an economic development trip to South Korea, aiming to strengthen the 40-year partnership between Georgia and South Korea. This visit follows a significant ICE raid at a Hyundai factory in Savannah, where 475 workers were detained. Despite concerns about international investment in Georgia, Kemp reported no negative impacts from the raid. The trip will also include discussions on immigration issues and a visit to Japan, highlighting the importance of Korean companies in Georgia’s economy.
Atlanta, Georgia
Governor Brian Kemp will travel to South Korea for an economic development trip this week. This trip comes less than two months after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a Savannah-area Hyundai factory that detained 475 workers, including over 300 Korean nationals. The ICE raid is noted as the largest workplace enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security.
Most of the Korean workers detained were sent back to South Korea shortly after, as ICE stated that these workers were in the U.S. on the wrong type of work visa. Many workers were contractors possessing specialized knowledge of the equipment being installed. Following the raid, Governor Kemp expressed support for changes to the nation’s short-stay visa program for specialized workers.
Despite fears that the immigration raid would deter international companies from investing in Georgia, Governor Kemp reported no signs of that impact. The primary goal of Kemp’s trip is to strengthen a 40-year economic partnership between Georgia and South Korea. It is important to note that the trip was planned prior to the immigration raid.
Significance of the Trip
South Korean companies, such as Hyundai, Kia, SK, and QCells, have significant operations in Georgia, which underpin the state’s economic landscape. Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of continuing to build relationships with Korean businesses and seeking potential new investments.
The trip will address both immigration issues and economic discussions and will also include a visit to Japan to meet with companies there. The economic partnership has historical significance, with Georgia establishing a trade office in Seoul in 1985. In 2024, South Korea was Georgia’s third-largest trading partner, totaling over $17.5 billion in merchandise trade.
Recent Developments
The timing of Governor Kemp’s trip coincides with the announcement of Hyundai’s $2.7 billion expansion of its electric vehicle plant in Ellabell, which is expected to increase production capacity. The governor’s delegation includes the first lady, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, and other state and business leaders. The trip features a ceremony commemorating four decades of Georgia’s economic presence in South Korea.
Commissioner Wilson has acknowledged the contributions of Korean businesses to Georgia’s innovation and job creation. As these key discussions and ceremonies unfold, the impact of the immigration raid alongside the ongoing economic relations between Georgia and South Korea will remain a focal point of Governor Kemp’s visit.
Conclusion
With the ongoing commitment to fostering economic ties and addressing immigration concerns, Governor Kemp’s trip stands as a significant step in reinforcing the relationship between Georgia and South Korea, strengthening the states’ economic framework and continuing a partnership that has grown over the last forty years.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Governor Brian Kemp’s trip to South Korea?
The primary goal of Kemp’s trip is to strengthen a 40-year economic partnership between Georgia and South Korea.
What significant event happened at the Hyundai factory in Savannah?
Less than two months prior to the trip, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid at a Savannah-area Hyundai factory detained 475 workers, including over 300 Korean nationals.
What is the scale of the ICE raid at the Hyundai factory?
The ICE raid is noted as the largest workplace enforcement action in the history of Homeland Security.
How many Korean workers were detained during the immigration raid?
Over 300 Korean nationals were among the 475 workers detained during the raid.
Was there any impact on international investment in Georgia following the immigration raid?
Governor Kemp reported no signs that the immigration raid would deter international companies from investing in Georgia.
Key Features of the Economic Development Trip by Governor Kemp
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Destination | South Korea (with a visit to Japan) |
| Primary Goal | Strengthen Georgia-South Korea economic partnership |
| Notable Incident | ICE raid at Hyundai factory; 475 workers detained |
| Investment Impact | No signs of investment deterrence post-raid |
| Significant Companies | Hyundai, Kia, SK, QCells |
| Historical Context | Trade office established in Seoul in 1985 |
| Recent Developments | Hyundai’s $2.7 billion electric vehicle plant expansion |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Surge in Immigration Arrests in Atlanta Raises Concerns
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- WRDW
- CBS News
- AP News
- Georgia Recorder
- Wikipedia: Georgia (U.S. state)
- Google Search: South Korea
- Google Scholar: Georgia South Korea trade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Korea
- Google News: Governor Brian Kemp
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
