South Korea is mobilising a special team to Cambodia to address alarming cases of kidnappings and scam operations targeting its nationals. This initiative comes after the tragic death of a South Korean college student, who was reportedly tortured by a local crime ring.
What’s Happening?
On 15 October 2024, a team led by the vice foreign minister will head to Cambodia as a part of South Korea’s commitment to repatriate its citizens. Currently, authorities have identified around 80 South Koreans whose safety remains unconfirmed among the recent incidents.
- In the first eight months of 2024, 330 South Koreans were reported missing or detained in Cambodia.
- Police investigations are underway regarding the death of the student, with three Chinese nationals facing murder charges.
- Fraudulent job offers are luring many South Koreans to these dangerous situations.
Government Response
According to South Korea’s foreign ministry, the government is making all efforts to secure cooperation from Cambodian authorities. Officials from the police and South Korea’s spy agency will participate in this mission.
In light of the recent figures, President Lee Jae Myung emphasised the need for swift action to ensure the safety of citizens, stating, “The government should immediately implement all available measures to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Growing Concerns Over Scams
Analysis of the data shows a significant rise in kidnapping cases involving South Koreans in Cambodia. The numbers jumped from 21 cases in 2023 to 221 in 2024—a staggering increase indicating a pressing issue that the South Korean government cannot afford to overlook.
As fears mount among families back in South Korea, officials are also contemplating raising the travel advisory level for Cambodia, acknowledging the ongoing threats posed to those travelling there.