The Democratic Party of Korea has formed a “Safety Measures Task Force for Overseas Nationals,” which was launched on the 15th and is scheduled to depart for Cambodia that evening. The task force consists of members who are former military officers, police officers, and diplomats.
Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae stated during a meeting at the National Assembly that the government is committed to protecting the lives and safety of its citizens and that the ruling party will do its utmost to resolve the situation. The task force is being dispatched to Cambodia as a response to a recent kidnapping incident involving a South Korean national, underlying the urgency of rescuing affected citizens quickly.
The task force is led by Kim Byung-joo, a former four-star general, with deputy leaders including Hwang Myung-sun, a PhD in public administration, Hong Gi-won, a former diplomat, and Lim Ho-sun, a former police officer. Kim emphasized the immediate need to rescue citizens facing life-threatening situations in Cambodia. The final composition of the task force is expected to be completed during the day, with key members flying to Cambodia that evening to aid in the rescue efforts.
Deputy leader Hwang highlighted the importance of the national responsibility to protect citizens’ lives and safety, stressing the task force’s dedication to protecting overseas nationals amidst public concern and fear. Hong, drawing on his diplomatic experience, stressed the need for both immediate rescue actions in Cambodia and long-term solutions to prevent the rise of international crimes. Lim focused on assessing the local situation and collaborating with Cambodian authorities to enhance security cooperation.
Each leader of the task force brings a rich background from their respective fields, contributing to a multifaceted approach to handling the situation.