The situation involving the detention of approximately 60 South Koreans in Cambodia has been addressed by Wi Sung-lac, head of the National Security Office, who stated, “We will try to facilitate the repatriation of the detained South Koreans by this weekend.” On the 15th, Wi held a press conference at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul, emphasizing the prioritization of quickly repatriating the approximately 60 South Korean nationals apprehended by Cambodian authorities.
Currently, many South Koreans are detained by criminal organizations in Cambodia. A significant number have been coerced into criminal activities through detention and torture, which led to their being arrested as suspects by the local authorities. Given the complexities involved in rescuing those still held by criminal groups, the focus is on expediting the repatriation of citizens already in Cambodian government custody.
Wi noted, “It is estimated that around 200,000 individuals of various nationalities are involved in Cambodia’s scam industry, conducting online scam operations targeting global citizens. It’s believed that around 1,000 South Koreans are among them.” He added, “Recent crackdowns by Cambodian authorities have led to the arrest of thousands, including over 1,000 Chinese and initially 68 South Koreans, which now stands at 63.”
He also mentioned preparations for flights for their repatriation, hoping to achieve it by the weekend, although acknowledging potential delays. He noted Cambodia’s cooperative stance, expressing the government’s intention to hand over the detained South Koreans to their home country.
Wi further stressed, “Cambodia has no hidden agenda to avoid cooperation with us, and I hope there will be no unnecessary negative perceptions about the Cambodian state or its people.” Regarding the joint task force composed of law enforcement agencies from both nations, Wi revealed that a team consisting of 20 Cambodian and 4 South Korean members is being formed, with hopes of capturing more criminal suspects moving forward.