Chartered Flight Carrying Koreans Detained in Cambodia to Depart Phnom Penh Early on 18th as Suspects

Wi Sunglak Holds Press Briefing at Presidential Office
Over 60 Detainees Held by Cambodian Authorities to Be Repatriated
South Korean Police Officers to Board the Chartered Flight

A chartered flight carrying South Koreans detained by Cambodian authorities is scheduled to depart from Phnom Penh for Incheon at 2:00 a.m. local time on October 18, 2025 (4:00 a.m. Korea time).

Yonhap News Agency

Wi Sunglak, Director of the National Security Office, held a press briefing at the presidential office in Yongsan on October 17, 2025, and stated, "I received a report on the situation after speaking with the government response team on site." He added, "Although it is still difficult to speak definitively as we cannot completely rule out unexpected variables, discussions with the Cambodian side are proceeding smoothly."

The number of South Koreans subject to repatriation is now over 60, which is higher than the previously reported 59, and includes all those detained by Cambodian investigative authorities. Wi explained, "Most of those being repatriated are suspects for whom arrest warrants have been issued by the South Korean government, so they will be escorted in accordance with legal procedures."

Accordingly, South Korean police officers are expected to be on board the chartered flight departing from Incheon on the evening of October 17, 2025.