Phnom Penh
South Korea and Cambodia have initiated diplomatic talks to enhance consular assistance and strengthen joint investigative efforts in Phnom Penh following the tragic torture and death of a Korean student linked to an online scam.
The incident has intensified calls for improved safety measures for South Korean citizens living and working in Cambodia.
According to diplomatic sources cited, Seoul is holding consultations with Phnom Penh to increase the number of Korean police officers at the South Korean Embassy and to establish a dedicated Korean Desk within Cambodia’s national police. This unit would focus on crimes involving Korean nationals, particularly those connected to employment scams and unlawful detentions.
Currently, the embassy operates with one Korean police officer and two liaison officers, a setup considered insufficient amid the surge in criminal incidents targeting Koreans. The proposed expansion aims to ensure faster coordination with Cambodian authorities and stronger protection mechanisms for Korean victims.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun summoned the Cambodian ambassador in Seoul, urging immediate action to curb the rise in online scams and confinement cases. In response, the foreign ministry upgraded its Level 2 travel advisory for Phnom Penh, signaling heightened security risks.
President Lee Jae Myung also directed the foreign ministry to take all-out diplomatic measures to safeguard South Korean citizens abroad. The presidential office confirmed that Lee’s order came after reviewing multiple reports of crimes against Koreans in Cambodia, including job fraud and illegal detentions.
Officials emphasized that Seoul continues to seek close cooperation with Cambodian authorities to ensure justice for victims and to prevent further crimes targeting its nationals.