Seoul, Oct 13 – South Korea’s National Security Adviser, Wi Sung‑lac, called on the government to move quickly to bring home South Korean workers and students stranded in Cambodia. The call comes amid a spike in job‑scams and reports of illegal detentions, warning that the situation is dangerous for residents overseas.
Wi opened the first meeting of a new pan‑government task force, which includes officials from the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice and the National Police Agency. He told reporters that citizens in danger must return immediately on humanitarian grounds. “We expect authorities to act without delay,” he said. “Those who take criminal actions against us will face legal consequences.”
Helming the effort is Deputy President Lee Jae Myung, who last week ordered a full diplomatic push to protect Korean nationals abroad. The task force is exploring a phased repatriation plan, and officials are considering sending investigators to Cambodia to coordinate an investigation and assess rescue options.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun added that special measures are being drafted. “We’re discussing sending a team of officials to bring all those waiting for return back by plane,” he told a parliamentary audit. The plan is still under review.
The push follows the death of a South Korean university student on Aug. 8 near Bokor Mountain in Kampot Province. The student died inside a black car, and two Chinese suspects were arrested. Since January, South Korean diplomatic offices in Cambodia have received 330 reports of missing nationals or unlawful detentions.
Key points for readers
– South Korea urges swift repatriation of citizens in Cambodia due to rising scams and kidnappings.
– A new task force has been set up to design counter‑measures and coordinate repatriation efforts.
– Work has begun on special diplomatic and security measures, including the possible deployment of Korean officials to Cambodia.
– The government is also looking into an investigation of the August fatality and other cases involving South Korean nationals.
South Korea’s diplomatic mission in Cambodia remains on alert, and all Korean citizens in the country are urged to stay in touch with embassy officials and report any suspicious job offers or workplaces. The government says it will keep the public updated on progress as it continues to safeguard its nationals overseas.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.