Presidential Office: "Phased Repatriation of Koreans Detained in Cambodia Under Consideration"

Yonhap News Agency

On October 13, National Security Office Director Wi Seongrak presided over the Cambodia Korean Crime Response Task Force (TF) and instructed, "If necessary, consider even phased repatriation."

Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated during a briefing at Yongsan on the same day that Director Wi said, "While measures against the illegal activities of those detained are only natural, the repatriation of our citizens in danger must be carried out swiftly from a humanitarian perspective."

Spokesperson Kang explained, "This means that if immediate repatriation is not possible, the authorities have been urged to process the repatriation quickly for as many people as possible."

The Presidential Office established the TF in response to recent crimes targeting Koreans in Cambodia, such as employment scams and kidnappings. At the first meeting, attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and the National Investigation Headquarters, participants discussed status reports, cooperation plans among authorities, and future measures.

Spokesperson Kang also reported that, in order to prevent further local victimization, sending Korean law enforcement officials to Cambodia to cooperate with local authorities and monitor the rescue status of Korean nationals was discussed as well.