As the release of about 300 Koreans detained by U.S. immigration authorities has been delayed due to circumstances on the U.S. side, Minister Cho Hyun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 10th (local time) that "it is not yet time to talk."
Before leaving her accommodations in Washington, D.C., to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that day, Minister Cho told Korean reporters, "After the meeting (with Secretary Rubio), I will explain everything in detail," adding, "By whatever means, in the best way and at the earliest possible time, we will make sure the people are rescued and can board the plane (a charter flight for return)."
Minister Cho is scheduled to meet Secretary Rubio at the White House at 9:30 a.m. that day. It was the day when the Koreans detained at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor–LG Energy Solution joint battery plant were scheduled to depart by charter flight around 2:30 p.m. (local time), but it was delayed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was delayed due to circumstances on the U.S. side.
Earlier, after about 300 Koreans were arrested and detained, Korean diplomatic authorities continued consultations with the United States, and on the 7th, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said negotiations for their prompt release and return had been completed.