Hundreds of South Koreans detained in a massive US immigration raid were being released Thursday to begin the journey home, Seoul said after warning the “bewildering” episode could have a chilling effect on future investment.

South Koreans made up the majority of the 475 people arrested last week at a Hyundai-LG battery factory site in the state of Georgia, triggering a delicate effort to resolve the thorny situation between close allies.

Seoul confirmed that the “release process was underway” for the workers, who were set to fly back to the South on a chartered plane due to arrive home Friday afternoon.

Photographs run by the Yonhap news agency showed the workers gathering around buses, some seen smiling and waving after spending days in US detention.

South Korea is a staunch security

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