Should South Korea Act Swiftly to Bring Home Kidnapped Nationals from Cambodia?
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Synopsis
In a pressing call to action, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urges ministries to leverage all resources for the safe return of nationals kidnapped in Cambodia amid rising job scams. This plea follows a shocking incident involving the torture and death of a college student, raising significant safety concerns among the Korean community abroad.
Key Takeaways
- President Lee Jae Myung emphasizes the urgency of rescuing kidnapped nationals.
- Consultations with the Cambodian government are ongoing to ensure safety.
- Travel advisories have been upgraded to protect Koreans abroad.
- A dedicated 'Korean Desk' is proposed within Cambodian police.
- Incidents of crime against South Koreans in Cambodia are on the rise.
Seoul, Oct 14 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday urged pertinent ministries to employ "all available resources" to assist Korean nationals who have been kidnapped in Cambodia due to job scams in their return home, following the recent torture and death of a college student that deeply disturbed the nation.
During a Cabinet meeting, Lee addressed the alarming increase in reported kidnappings of Korean citizens this year linked to job scams and the heartbreaking case of the college student, which led Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to summon Cambodia's ambassador for discussions.
"Relevant ministries should hasten the creation of a consistent communication channel between the law enforcement bodies of both nations through consultations with the Cambodian government," Lee emphasized, insisting that kidnapped Koreans in Cambodia must be swiftly located and returned.
In light of growing safety concerns for Koreans in Cambodia, Lee called on the government to utilize "all available resources" to respond to this issue promptly, accurately, and decisively.
To avert similar occurrences, he highlighted the urgent need to enhance travel restrictions in areas where crime risks are elevated.
Last Friday, the foreign ministry raised its Level 2 travel advisory for the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, to a special travel advisory, which has already been imposed in southern regions and border areas with Vietnam.
Lee further urged the government to secure adequate staffing and financial resources for embassies overseas, ensuring they can offer timely support to Koreans in distress, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Seoul is currently in discussions with Phnom Penh to augment the police presence at the South Korean Embassy, which currently has just one official and two aides, and to establish a "Korean Desk" within the Cambodian national police, a unit focused on cases involving Korean citizens.
Official statistics indicate that crimes against South Koreans in Cambodia surged significantly, from 81 cases in 2022 to 134 in 2023 and 348 last year. In the first half of this year, the figure reached 303.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the gravity of the situation faced by South Korean nationals in Cambodia. The government's proactive stance under President Lee Jae Myung reflects a commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens. As discussions between Seoul and Phnom Penh progress, it is imperative to ensure that measures are implemented effectively to protect Koreans abroad.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions is South Korea taking regarding kidnapped nationals?
South Korea is urging relevant ministries to utilize all available resources to quickly assist kidnapped nationals in Cambodia, following a tragic incident involving a college student's death.
Why did the South Korean government summon Cambodia's ambassador?
The South Korean Foreign Minister summoned Cambodia's ambassador due to the alarming rise in kidnappings of Korean nationals linked to job scams.
What has been the trend in crimes against South Koreans in Cambodia?
Crimes against South Koreans in Cambodia have seen a significant increase, rising from 81 cases in 2022 to 134 in 2023, highlighting escalating safety concerns.
