South Korea to Expedite Repatriation of Nationals Detained in Cambodia Amid Rising scam Concerns
PHNOM PENH – South Korea is working to repatriate approximately 60 citizens detained in cambodia, with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stating a goal of completing the process by the weekend. The move comes as Seoul vows to address a surge in crimes targeting South Korean nationals lured to Cambodia by fraudulent job offers adn other scams.
Wi addressed growing calls for a review of South Korea’s official growth assistance (ODA) to Cambodia, clarifying that the presidential office is “not directly linking the issue to the recent crimes.” He explained that ongoing ODA projects,including those focused on strengthening Cambodian law enforcement and public security capacity,are assessed independently based on their objectives and merit. “ODA decisions are made according to the merit of each project, not as a means of addressing unrelated issues,” Wi said.
Acknowledging concerns from Korean residents and businesses in Cambodia, particularly within the tourism sector, regarding potential economic and reputational damage, Wi urged both the media and public to “remain alert to such crimes but to avoid harbouring excessive hostility toward the Cambodian people.”
“This issue is directly tied to people’s safety, and we ask for your understanding and continued support as we work to resolve it,” Wi stated, reaffirming South Korea’s commitment to taking “every measure” to protect its citizens abroad.
