 |
A politician named Tori Branum, who claimed to have reported to immigration authorities about Korean conglomerate factories in Georgia, is suffering from a ‘bombardment of messages.’ Initially, she posted on her social media (SNS) a picture with a rifle, saying, “I’m not afraid,” but as the criticism grew, she deleted all family photos. According to foreign media on the 7th, Branum stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that she reported illegal activities occurring at the construction site of the battery factory jointly built by Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She claimed she is being threatened for reporting to ICE. Branum told Rolling Stone, “My Facebook messages are filled with hate,” but added, “I’m fine.” She also posted a picture holding a modified rifle on SNS, stating, “I wonder what’s written in my inbox.” Branum also thanked on SNS, “All those who have poured hate into my voicemail, forced me to register for anti-racism courses, and threatened my life,” and added, “Remember that I am the one who trained Marines at the shooting range.” She continued, “You don’t scare me” and said, “In fact, those messages are really funny. Don’t waste your time.” However, the criticism against Branum has grown louder. Particularly on SNS, videos have been shared showing immigration authorities binding the hands of field staff with cable ties and detaining Koreans, which has drawn criticism that it could harm Korea-U.S. economic cooperation. Even Americans have criticized Branum, calling her a “racist” and questioning, “How stupid can you be to ruin a multi-billion dollar contract with Korea because of MAGA (Make America Great Again) hate?” The daughter, who stated that she manages Branum’s official account, said the attacks are continuing. She mentioned, “Some people have even found our family’s social media accounts to harass us. As a result, my mother had to delete all the photos and writings she proudly posted for years.” She also stated, “Targeting children or digging into personal social media accounts, and sending harassing messages is seriously crossing the line” and said, “All messages, comments, and instances of harassment are being documented, and if necessary, we will request help from authorities to protect our family.” Branum’s daughter continued, “Harassment cannot be tolerated simply because my mother is running for office and holds strong opinions that some may disagree with” and added, “While constructive dialogue is welcome, attacks aimed at minors will be firmly rejected.” Branum is registered as a Republican primary candidate for the 12th congressional district of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives elections scheduled for November 2026. Her sponsorship-related homepage indicates she is originally from Oklahoma, Georgia, and has served in the U.S. Marine Corps. She describes herself as “the candidate who most firmly upholds the Trump spirit” and has expressed extreme views related to illegal immigration enforcement and opposition to gun regulation. U.S. immigration authorities conducted an operation to detain illegal immigrants at the construction site of the Hyundai Motor Group-LG Energy Solution joint battery factory in Georgia on the 4th. A total of more than 300 individuals, including 47 members affiliated with LG Energy Solution (46 Korean nationals and 1 Indonesian national) and about 250 personnel from partner companies related to HL-GA battery, were detained. submitted by /u/coinfwip4 |
Politician Faces Backlash Over Reporting Hyundai-LG Factory to Immigration Authorities
Related Posts
Latest News from Korea
- SK Hynix to ramp up 1c DRAM production 8-fold in 2026
SK Hynix’s DRAM plant in Icheon SK Hynix Inc., a crucial supplier of high-bandwidth memory to Nvidia Corp.’s artificial-intelligence processors, is set to boost output of its sixth-generation 10-nanometer DRAM, known as 1c DRAM, by roughly eightfold next year, as the AI industry’s center of gravity moves beyond training and toward large-scale inferencing. According to industry sources on Thursday, the… Read more: SK Hynix to ramp up 1c DRAM production 8-fold in 2026 - Yen’s slide pushes Korean won to a 7-month low amid worries over Japan’s fiscal plan(Courtesy of Yonap) The Korean won fell to its weakest level in seven months on Thursday, weighed down by a sharp decline in the Japanese yen following reports of Japan’s massive spending plan. The won briefly weakened past 1,470 to the dollar in afternoon trade, before closing at 1,467.90, up 2.3 won from the previous day. That marked its weakest… Read more: Yen’s slide pushes Korean won to a 7-month low amid worries over Japan’s fiscal plan
- S.Korea’s NPS gets $7.8 mn in refund after Sweden grants long-sought tax-exempt statusThe National Pension Service is South Korea’s largest institutional investor The National Pension Service (NPS), South Korea’s state-run pension fund and the country’s largest institutional investor, has secured a landmark victory in Sweden, winning recognition that it is exempt from withholding tax on dividends from Swedish listed equities. The decision will return about 11.5 billion won ($7.8 million) to the fund… Read more: S.Korea’s NPS gets $7.8 mn in refund after Sweden grants long-sought tax-exempt status
- Samsung Heavy lands nearly $1.4 bn box-ship deal, boosting sharesOne of container ships built by Samsung Heavy Industries (Courtesy of Samsung Heavy) Samsung Heavy Industries Co., one of South Korea’s top three shipbuilders, has secured a landmark order for seven container carriers worth nearly 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion), giving the yard one of its largest single contracts and sending its shares higher on Thursday. The company said in… Read more: Samsung Heavy lands nearly $1.4 bn box-ship deal, boosting shares
- Samsung Display prevails in OLED patent battle with China’s BOE(Courtesy of Samsung Display) Samsung Display Co., the panel-making arm of Samsung Electronics Co., has won in a years-long patent fight with China’s BOE Technology Group, clearing the way for the South Korean display maker to collect sizable royalty income and reinforce its position in the global organic light-emitting diode (OLED) supply chain. The US International Trade Commission announced on… Read more: Samsung Display prevails in OLED patent battle with China’s BOE
Latest Entertainment from Korea
- Jonathan Anderson’s Dior Debut: Nam Joo-hyuk [Korean actor] and the New Dawn of Fashion in 2026Photo Credits: DIOR Nam Joo-hyuk Jonathan Anderson’s Dior debut for spring/summer 2026 is a quiet revolution in fashion—a seamless blend of heritage and reinvention, where tradition meets the new generation with a touch of understated radicalism. When Nam Joo-hyuk steps into this world, the synergy is electric: his effortless charisma and Anderson’s visionary design converge, creating images that feel both… Read more: Jonathan Anderson’s Dior Debut: Nam Joo-hyuk [Korean actor] and the New Dawn of Fashion in 2026
- Zhang Hao Heralds the New Year in Art-Infused Streetwear: Inside FILA FUSION x Dimitri Rybaltchenko’s Limited-Edition Capsule and CF PictorialPhoto Credits: FILA FUSION. Dimitri Rybaltchenko Zhang Hao steps into the New Year not merely as a brand ambassador, but as a fully fledged fashion protagonist in FILA FUSION’s Limited-Edition New Year’s Series with French artist Dimitri Rybaltchenko. This collaboration, unveiled under the “251219” campaign tag, fuses technical sportswear, collectible art, and C-pop star power into a single, sharply staged… Read more: Zhang Hao Heralds the New Year in Art-Infused Streetwear: Inside FILA FUSION x Dimitri Rybaltchenko’s Limited-Edition Capsule and CF Pictorial
- aespa Captivates Fans Worldwide in the Festive Nongshim Shin Ramyun CF ‘251219’ with Stunning Group & Solo VisualsPhoto Credits: SM Entertainment Nongshim Shin The global powerhouse girl group aespa has once again proven that they are not only music sensations but visual trendsetters. Their new commercial collaboration with Nongshim Shin Ramyun, titled “251219”, dropped just in time for the holiday season, instantly dominating Korean and global social media feeds. The campaign features both group and individual photo sets, each frame filled… Read more: aespa Captivates Fans Worldwide in the Festive Nongshim Shin Ramyun CF ‘251219’ with Stunning Group & Solo Visuals
- Kim Yo-Han of WEi Takes Allure by Storm: Milestones and Creative RevolutionPhoto Credits: Allure Korea. OUI Entertainment The New Paradigm: Kim Yo-Han Unveiled Kim Yo-Han, the dynamic force behind WEi and a rising star in acting, has made a striking appearance on the cover of Allure Magazine. Embracing the concept “Kim Yo-Han from Another Dimension,” this digital publication showcases his ability to transcend genres and redefine creative boundaries. With an air… Read more: Kim Yo-Han of WEi Takes Allure by Storm: Milestones and Creative Revolution
- MONSTA X’s Joohoney Returns with ‘光 (INSANITY)’ — 2nd Mini Album Set to Illuminate January 2026 in Explosive Solo ComebackPhoto Credits: Starship Entertainment MONSTA X’s Joohoney Ignites 2026 with His Second Solo Era After months of quiet anticipation, MONSTA X’s Joohoney is officially gearing up for a January 2026 solo comeback—his first since 2023’s [LIGHTS] and a defining next chapter in his artistry. His 2nd mini album, ‘光 (INSANITY),’ promises a fusion of raw energy, lyrical depth, and cinematic sonic design that reflects Joohoney’s creative duality—light… Read more: MONSTA X’s Joohoney Returns with ‘光 (INSANITY)’ — 2nd Mini Album Set to Illuminate January 2026 in Explosive Solo Comeback
Learn People & History of Korea
- The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan CityAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Busan Busan, known as the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded existence of Busan can be traced to the Goryeo Dynasty, where it was referenced as a vital coastal settlement. Its strategic location along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula… Read more: The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan City
- The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political DynamicsIntroduction to Pyongyang Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, serves as a prominent symbol of the nation’s history and culture. Geographically located on the banks of the Taedong River, in the southwest part of the country, Pyongyang is situated within a strategic area that has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The city’s origins can be traced back to… Read more: The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political Dynamics
- The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and BeyondAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Seoul The city of Seoul, known today as the vibrant capital of South Korea, has ancient roots that trace back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, specifically the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. Evidence suggests that Seoul was originally established as a settlement given its strategic geographical advantages. Nestled within the Han River basin,… Read more: The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and Beyond
- Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3Introduction to Korean Traditional Games Korean traditional games have long been an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape, offering more than mere entertainment. These games, which range from simple children’s pastimes to complex community activities, hold significant cultural significance and often serve as a means of preserving history and promoting social interaction. Rooted in centuries of tradition, these games… Read more: Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3
- Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune TellingIntroduction to Saju Saju, a traditional Korean fortune-telling practice, is an intricate art that seeks to interpret an individual’s fate based on their birth date and time. The term “Saju” translates to “four pillars” in English, referring to the four critical components derived from these time markers: year, month, day, and hour. This method holds significant cultural value within South… Read more: Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune Telling
