On the 8th, domestic civic groups held a protest in front of the U.S. Embassy in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, regarding the arrest of a Korean worker at the construction site of a joint battery plant by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Georgia, U.S.
Organizations such as Candlelight Action, the Korean University Progressive Alliance (Daejinyeon), and the People's Sovereignty Party held a rally at 7 p.m. that day, condemning the arrest and calling for the immediate release of the detained Korean and an apology from the U.S. government.
The groups argued, "It is unjust to label our workers, who are building the factory on U.S. soil at America's request, as illegal immigrants," and added, "It is the U.S. that does not even pay rent for the Pyeongtaek U.S. military base or its embassy that is illegal." They also strongly protested, stating that "the power of the sovereignty of the Republic of Korea must be shown."
Participants on stage criticized, "Does it make sense for the Trump administration to arrest hundreds of Korean citizens? This is no different from a hostage situation," and raised their voices, questioning, "Is taking Korean citizens hostage truly what an alliance is about? We must rectify the essence of the Korea-U.S. alliance."
According to unofficial estimates by the police, about 70 people gathered at the scene, chanting slogans such as "We condemn Trump for the arrest and detention of Korean citizens" and "What is with the chains? We condemn the U.S." Meanwhile, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the Peace and Unification Alliance, the National People's Action, and the Joint Action to Counter the Threat of Trump announced an additional rally to condemn President Donald Trump at the same location on the 9th at 10 a.m.