S. Korea says it flagged Hyundai US investment plan concerns

South Korea's industry minister said on Monday that the government had expressed concerns over Hyundai announcing multi-billion dollar U.S. investment plans at the same time as Seoul was involved in delicate trade negotiations with Washington. "We told Hyundai that (its) conduct was deeply regrettable, especially considering that our efforts have been made for the sake of Hyundai and Kia's industry," South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan told parliament in response to questions. "I believe that Hyundai now fully understands the Korean public sentiment," Kim said. He declined to comment on how Hyundai had responded to his concerns. Hyundai did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Independent lawmaker Kim Jong-min earlier criticised Hyundai for trying to gain favour with the Trump administration, thereby weakening South Korea's leverage during the trade talks. The South Korean automaker announced last month it would raise its U.S. investment plan by 32 percent to $11.6 billion, only two weeks after its new electric car battery factory in Georgia was raided by U.S. immiWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times