South Korea Investigates Disappearance of 80 Citizens in Cambodia Scam

Eighty South Koreans are currently unaccounted for in Cambodia, raising serious concerns about their safety amid reports of scams and human trafficking. According to South Korea’s foreign ministry, this alarming situation was confirmed on October 14, 2023, during a communication with the press.

The foreign ministry revealed that between January and August of this year, a total of 330 South Koreans were reported missing or believed to be held against their will in Cambodia. As of the end of August, the status of approximately 80 individuals remains uncertain. Officials are actively cross-referencing these figures with police data to ensure accuracy and avoid duplication.

Alarmingly, there has been a significant increase in cases of kidnapping and confinement of South Koreans in Cambodia. Lawmaker Yoon Hu-duk noted in a parliamentary hearing that the number of such incidents rose from 21 cases in 2023 to 221 the previous year, reflecting a dramatic rise in reported cases. The recent tragic death of a South Korean college student, reportedly kidnapped and tortured by a local crime syndicate, has intensified public outrage and fear.

Many of the South Koreans affected are believed to have been lured to Cambodia by fraudulent job offers with promises of high salaries. This practice has raised serious alarm within South Korea, prompting government officials to address the issue directly.

During a cabinet meeting, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing kidnappings. He stated, “The numbers are not small, and many of our citizens are deeply concerned about their family members, friends, and neighbours who have been detained in Cambodia.” He emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens abroad.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Presidential office announced plans to dispatch a joint response team to Cambodia on October 15, 2023, led by the second vice foreign minister. Furthermore, officials indicated that raising the travel advisory level for Cambodia is under consideration as a precautionary measure to protect South Korean nationals.

The situation continues to develop, with many families anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. As investigations proceed, the South Korean government is under increasing pressure to resolve these troubling cases and safeguard its citizens from further harm.