Overview

• Seoul’s foreign ministry and the U.S. State Department will lead the inaugural session, co-chaired by Jung Ki-hong and Deputy Assistant Secretary Kevin Kim.
• U.S. Homeland Security and Commerce officials are slated to participate in the meeting, according to the South Korean foreign ministry.
• The agenda centers on easing entry for personnel tied to Korean investments in the United States and on administrative improvements to the visa process.
• More than 300 South Koreans were detained for about a week at a Georgia battery factory site in early September and were later released following diplomatic negotiations.
• Officials are expected to review flexible application of B1 rules, clarify permissible business activities for B1 and ESTA travelers, and consider a dedicated visa desk at the Korean Embassy for investors.