South Korea has pledged stronger diplomatic and security measures amid a surge in kidnappings in Cambodia. Moreover, the government is taking swift action after several South Koreans faced abduction, forced labor, and scamming operations. Officials warned citizens to avoid fake job offers promising high pay in Cambodia. As a result, the Cambodia kidnapping crisis has drawn urgent attention from both lawmakers and the public. Authorities emphasize that citizens must stay vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately.
President Lee Jae Myung ordered full diplomatic efforts to protect South Koreans in Cambodia. In addition, the Foreign Ministry asked the Cambodian government to cooperate and promised additional measures if necessary. South Korea also issued a special travel advisory for Phnom Penh to warn citizens. The advisory urges caution and discourages accepting suspicious job offers. Citizens should therefore report suspicious activities immediately to local authorities.
Several South Koreans have already escaped Cambodia’s scamming compounds thanks to coordinated rescue operations. For example, in one incident, two nationals escaped from Sihanoukville after threats and forced involvement in scams. Lawmakers credited families, government agencies, and parliament members for their successful rescue. Earlier, authorities rescued 14 nationals near Kampot while identifying a student who kidnappers had murdered. These events highlight the urgent need for South Korea to act decisively during the Cambodia kidnapping crisis.
Opposition leaders demand a stronger, action-oriented approach. They want police deployment, coordination with Interpol, and joint operations with Cambodian authorities. Furthermore, lawmakers revealed that abduction reports have surged sharply, reaching hundreds annually. Human rights groups also report dozens of scamming compounds operating unchecked across Cambodia. Therefore, these developments show that preventive measures and international cooperation remain critical in curbing the Cambodia kidnapping crisis.
The government urges all citizens traveling to Cambodia to stay alert and verify job offers thoroughly. Meanwhile, authorities asked Cambodian police to initiate rescues using basic personal information and victim locations. In addition, lawmakers plan to raise the issue in parliamentary audits to secure stronger government response. Overall, the crisis highlights the need for combined diplomatic, law enforcement, and public awareness strategies. Citizens must remain cautious and report suspicious activity immediately.
