South Korea continues to face the Cambodia scam fallout despite recent repatriations of dozens of citizens. Lawmakers urge the government to take stronger measures to protect South Koreans abroad. Moreover, some suggest reconsidering foreign aid to Cambodia if safety issues remain unresolved.
Rep. Jeon Hyun-heui, a ruling party lawmaker, said South Korea should consider suspending foreign aid if Cambodia does not improve protections. She argued that diplomatic efforts have not yielded sufficient cooperation to ensure citizens’ safety. By contrast, the government stated it does not link recent crimes in Cambodia to official development assistance.
Wi Sung-lac, director of the presidential National Security Office, clarified that authorities would not directly associate the surge in scams with ODA funding. However, he noted that some aid projects are under review due to suspected corruption. Government data shows that South Korea’s budget for Cambodian projects more than doubled this year, marking the sharpest increase among all foreign aid destinations.
The Cambodia scam fallout also affects international development programs. An ongoing water management project with the UN Development Program has been suspended amid worsening security conditions. The initiative aims to improve climate resilience in the Mekong region, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. South Korean firms had launched a pilot renewable energy program for water supply in Cambodia, but the handover ceremony was postponed.
Rep. Jeon highlighted that South Korea receives no tangible benefits from its aid, given the increase in crimes against citizens. She warned that military intervention might be necessary if safety concerns persist. Other ruling party lawmakers, including Rep. Kim Byung-kee, disputed the military threat, emphasizing diplomacy and legal measures instead.
Authorities plan to conduct a parliamentary inspection of South Korea’s embassy in Cambodia. Lawmakers will also visit locations used as scam compounds near Phnom Penh. Meanwhile, South Korean police will send investigators and a forensic pathologist to Cambodia to conduct an autopsy on a deceased citizen. They also requested court arrest warrants for repatriated Koreans under investigation.
So far, 64 South Koreans have returned from Cambodia, accompanied by over 190 police officers. They remain under police investigation, as authorities suspect involvement in scams. An estimated 1,500 more South Koreans remain in Cambodia linked to scam activities.
The Korea Financial Intelligence Unit is reviewing transnational financial flows related to companies such as Prince Group and Huione Group. Observers say stronger oversight and interagency coordination remain essential to mitigate the Cambodia scam fallout and protect citizens abroad.
