The Inside Story Podcast Will the raid on Hyundai workers cause tension between the US and South Korea?
Sep 7, 2025
Se-Woong Koo, founder of Korea Expose, and Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center, dive into the recent immigration raid on South Korean workers in the U.S. They explore how this incident could signal deeper disruptions in U.S.-South Korea relations. Topics include the implications for trade and public perception and the broader impacts on South Korean investments. Tensions surrounding military spending and the evolving geopolitical landscape, especially concerning China, further complicate this alliance.
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Shock And Rapid Government Response
- South Korean media and public reacted with shock after business travellers ended up detained in the US following the raid.
- The presidential office announced the release and a plane to pick up detainees, showing urgent government involvement.
Trust Damage Could Stall Investments
- The raid will complicate trade talks and could make South Korean firms cautious about investing in the US.
- Jenny Town notes quick releases help but trust damage may slow reinvestment.
Risk Of Renewed Anti-American Sentiment
- The incident risks reigniting anti-American sentiment in South Korea if repeated.
- Youngshik Bong warns the episode echoes past spikes of public anger tied to US policies.