SEOUL — South Korea said Thursday that a group of its nationals who had been detained at a facility in the U.S. state of Georgia were released and were preparing to fly home.
The foreign ministry said consular officials had coordinated with U.S. authorities to secure the release and that arrangements were under way for the individuals' repatriation. Seoul did not immediately disclose the number of people involved, the facility’s operator or the reasons for their detention, citing privacy and ongoing procedural matters.
South Korean consular staff have in recent days been in contact with the detainees and their families, the ministry said, providing updates and assisting with travel documents and other logistical needs for the return flight. Officials said they were monitoring the situation and would continue to provide consular support until the nationals arrived safely in South Korea.
The announcement follows a period of heightened attention to cases of nationals detained abroad, and South Korean officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of consular cooperation in such incidents. The ministry did not identify the U.S. agency that had held the workers, nor did it specify whether any legal proceedings remain pending in the United States.
U.S. authorities often detain foreign nationals for a range of reasons, including immigration violations, visa issues and pending criminal matters. When such cases involve South Korean nationals, the foreign ministry typically seeks information, access and humane treatment through its consular office and diplomatic channels.
The released individuals were expected to depart following completion of necessary paperwork and medical or travel checks, the ministry said. Seoul did not provide a timetable for the return flights or further operational details.
South Korea's government has in past years stepped up assistance to citizens detained overseas as part of broader efforts to protect migrant workers and travelers. The ministry said it would provide further updates to families and the public if additional information becomes available.