South Korea has launched an emergency operation to rescue dozens of its citizens trapped in fraudulent job networks in Cambodia. Authorities plan to repatriate about 60 South Koreans in Cambodia by weekend, marking one of Seoul’s most urgent missions.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said on Wednesday that the government will use every available measure to ensure the citizens’ safe return. He emphasized that protecting nationals abroad remains a top priority as job-related scams continue to rise across Southeast Asia.
Wi cautioned against linking this incident to South Korea’s official development assistance programs for Cambodia. He said aid projects, including those improving law enforcement and public safety, will continue based on independent evaluations. However, he also urged the public and media to stay alert while avoiding hostility toward Cambodian citizens.
To manage the situation, Seoul dispatched a high-level task force to Phnom Penh. The delegation, led by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah, includes officials from the National Police Agency, the Justice Ministry, and the National Intelligence Service. They will work with Cambodian authorities to free South Koreans and dismantle the criminal networks behind the job scams.
Government data shows that about 1,000 South Koreans in Cambodia may be confined in scam compounds. Between January and August 2025, Seoul received 330 reports of missing or detained nationals, compared with 220 during the same period last year. Although most have been resolved, 80 cases remain under investigation.
In response, the Foreign Ministry formed a new task force led by former Ambassador Park Il to oversee embassy coordination and communication with Cambodian officials. The ministry also plans to raise the travel advisory level for Cambodia, citing increased safety risks.
President Lee Jae Myung ordered closer interagency cooperation to track and dismantle transnational crime networks targeting Korean citizens. He also instructed ministries to strengthen early-warning systems and improve oversight of overseas job postings.
Experts warn that the crisis highlights the growing complexity of transnational job scams and the need for stronger international coordination. They stress that protecting South Koreans in Cambodia requires sustained cooperation between law enforcement and diplomatic channels.
As the mission continues, Seoul remains determined to bring all affected citizens home safely and prevent similar cases in the future.
