A Korean Air chartered flight, set to carry Korean nationals detained in the U.S. state of Georgia, prepares for takeoff at a gate at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the morning of the 10th. [Airport Photo Journalists Association] 

The release of Korean nationals detained by U.S. immigration authorities appears to be delayed beyond initial expectations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 10th, "The departure of our citizens detained in Georgia, originally scheduled for the 10th local time, has become difficult due to circumstances on the U.S. side." It added, "We are maintaining consultations with the U.S. side to ensure the earliest possible departure."

It was initially reported that the approximately 300 Korean nationals arrested and detained at a Korean company's factory in Georgia, U.S., would depart on a chartered flight on the 10th local time in the form of voluntary departure and return to Korea on the afternoon of the 11th.

In line with this schedule, a Korean Air-operated chartered flight had departed from Incheon Airport that morning bound for Atlanta, but the schedule was suddenly changed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited "U.S. circumstances" without providing specific reasons for the delay.

Given that both sides had effectively agreed on the release of the Koreans and were discussing administrative procedures, there is a possibility that technical issues have arisen. Some speculate that there may have been disagreements between South Korea and the U.S. regarding the transportation process from the detention facility to Atlanta Airport.

Kim Yong-beom, the Presidential Office's Chief Policy Secretary, previously stated at a forum hosted by the Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club the day before, "There is a method that the local law enforcement agencies insist on when escorting them by bus. Things like how they handle hands, and detention, etc." He added, "We are doing our utmost in negotiating the final administrative procedures to ensure that absolutely none of that happens."

On April 4th (local time), U.S. immigration authorities conducted an immigration enforcement operation at the construction site of a joint battery factory between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Ellabell, Georgia, arresting and detaining 475 individuals, including approximately 300 Korean nationals.

Yonhap News