Why Has a South Korean Response Team Landed in Cambodia?
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Synopsis
A South Korean response team has landed in Cambodia to confront a surge in job scams that have led to the abduction of its citizens. This critical mission seeks justice and safe repatriation for those affected, including investigating a recent murder case linked to these crimes.
Key Takeaways
- Joint task force from South Korea arrives in Cambodia to address job scams.
- 61 South Koreans detained on suspected organized crime charges.
- Investigation into the murder of a South Korean college student ongoing.
- South Korean government seeks to repatriate affected citizens swiftly.
- Collaboration with Cambodian and Vietnamese authorities is crucial.
Seoul, Oct 16 (NationPress) A joint task force from South Korea has landed in Cambodia to combat the escalating issue of job scams that involve the kidnapping and imprisonment of Korean citizens. This mission aims to facilitate the return of South Koreans affected by these crimes.
Led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na, the team touched down at Techo International Airport, located south of the Cambodian capital, late on Wednesday (local time). They were accompanied by officials from the National Policy Agency, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Intelligence Service.
The primary goal of the team is to engage with senior Cambodian officials to confront the surging crisis of job scams, which have ensnared numerous South Koreans. This includes coordinating investigations into the brutal murder of a South Korean college student, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Additionally, the delegation aims to discuss the potential repatriation of 61 South Koreans who have been detained by Cambodian immigration authorities for their alleged involvement in organized crime, possibly arranging a special flight for their return.
Upon arrival, Kim informed reporters, “We are preparing for detailed methods.” He added that specifics have yet to be finalized.
The number of detained Korean nationals was revised from 63, as two individuals were repatriated by air on Tuesday.
South Korean law enforcement has already charged the detainees in connection with the job scams, and the government is advocating for their prompt return to face legal repercussions under Korean criminal law.
South Korea's chief security advisor, Wi Sung-lac, stated on Tuesday that the government aims to facilitate their return home by the end of the week.
While addressing the media at the airport, Kim pledged to work closely with pertinent authorities in Vietnam and Cambodia to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a South Korean woman, whose body was discovered near the border of the two nations.
The woman, in her 30s, was found in Vietnam last week, and authorities are probing potential links to a phishing scam operating in Cambodia.
Point of View
Our stance is firmly aligned with the safety and security of our citizens. The ongoing job scams targeting South Koreans abroad demand immediate action and international cooperation. We support the government's efforts to repatriate those affected and seek justice for victims of these heinous crimes.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the South Korean government to send a response team to Cambodia?
The surge in job scams involving the abduction and confinement of South Koreans necessitated the government's intervention to ensure the safety and repatriation of its citizens.
How many South Koreans are currently detained in Cambodia?
Currently, there are 61 South Koreans detained by Cambodian authorities, under suspicion of organized crime.
What is the government’s timeline for repatriating the detained individuals?
The South Korean government aims to repatriate the detained individuals by the end of this week.
Is there a connection between the job scams and the death of the South Korean woman?
Authorities are currently investigating the death of a South Korean woman found near the Vietnam-Cambodia border, looking into potential links to the ongoing phishing scams.
Who is leading the South Korean response team?
The response team is led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na.
