How is South Korea Addressing the Job Scam Crisis in Cambodia?
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Synopsis
In response to a growing job scam crisis involving the abuse of South Koreans in Cambodia, the South Korean government has launched a task force at its embassy. This initiative aims to tackle the trafficking and torture issues while ensuring the safety and repatriation of its citizens. The situation has garnered significant public concern.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea has launched a task force to address job scams in Cambodia.
- Park Il is leading the initiative to manage issues related to trafficking and torture.
- A separate government team is set to repatriate detained South Koreans.
- Police are prioritizing the return of 63 nationals currently in custody.
- Awareness efforts are underway to combat employment scams.
Seoul, Oct 15 (NationPress) The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday the establishment of a task force at its Embassy in Cambodia to address the escalating job scam crisis that involves the trafficking and torture of South Korean citizens.
Park Il, the former ambassador to Lebanon, has been appointed as the interim leader of the mission in Phnom Penh. His responsibilities will include managing job scam-related issues, closely collaborating with Cambodian authorities, and seeking their assistance in resolving the matter, according to a ministry statement.
Since the initiation of the Lee Jae Myung administration, the ambassadorial position in Cambodia has been unfilled, a situation that critics attribute to the government's perceived inadequate responses, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Park will fulfill these duties until a new ambassador is officially designated, as per the ministry's announcement.
The task force is composed of officials from various bureaus, including consular affairs, development cooperation, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Park, who previously served in Lebanon, successfully directed an evacuation operation that rescued 97 South Korean nationals and their families amid the Israel-Hezbollah conflict last October.
This task force was launched as Seoul intensifies its efforts to combat crimes targeting its citizens in Cambodia, especially following the public outrage over the brutal torture and murder of a South Korean student.
A separate joint government response team from Seoul is also scheduled to leave for Cambodia on Wednesday night to manage the situation and develop plans to repatriate approximately 60 South Koreans detained in Cambodia for their alleged involvement in the scams.
On Tuesday, police indicated their goal to return all 63 South Korean nationals held in Cambodia within a month as part of their strategy to address the extensive criminal activities affecting Koreans in the Southeast Asian country.
The National Police Agency (NPA) stated that their priority is to repatriate the South Korean nationals currently in custody while sending two additional police officers to the South Korean diplomatic mission in Cambodia, which currently has three officers.
The 63 individuals being prioritized for repatriation are believed to be among those caught in Cambodian crackdowns on online scam operations conducted in July and September.
According to the foreign ministry, around 90 South Koreans were detained during these operations, with approximately 60 still in custody. An anonymous ministry official mentioned that many of the detainees are thought to have willingly participated in the scams.
Additionally, to enhance protection for South Korean citizens, the NPA will establish a team under its National Office of Investigation to address crimes targeting South Koreans in Cambodia and explore potential connections with criminal organizations operating in South Korea.
Authorities plan to investigate all reported criminal activities impacting South Koreans in Cambodia, with a total of 255 such cases reported to the foreign ministry and not to the police by the end of August this year.
Police will also assign officers to Incheon International Airport to increase public awareness regarding employment scams in the Southeast Asian nation.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight that the South Korean government's proactive measures in response to the job scam crisis in Cambodia reflect a strong commitment to protecting its citizens. The establishment of a dedicated task force is a necessary step in addressing the alarming rise in crimes against South Koreans overseas. While challenges remain, the collaboration with Cambodian authorities is essential for resolving this urgent issue.
NationPress
15/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the establishment of the task force in Cambodia?
The task force was created in response to the escalating job scam crisis involving the trafficking and torture of South Korean nationals in Cambodia.
Who is leading the task force?
The task force is being led by Park Il, the former ambassador to Lebanon.
How many South Koreans are currently detained in Cambodia?
Currently, 63 South Koreans are being prioritized for repatriation from Cambodia.
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of South Koreans abroad?
The National Police Agency is implementing a team to address crimes targeting South Koreans and increase awareness about employment scams.
What is the significance of this task force initiative?
This initiative signifies the South Korean government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens and tackling the growing criminal activities in Cambodia.
