Hong Joonpyo: "Cambodia Incident Is the Collective Responsibility of the Political Establishment"

"It Is a World That Makes People Wish for Fleeting Luck"
People Power Party: "Achievement Packaging"... Democratic Party: "No Political Strife"

As South Koreans who had been detained in Cambodia for their involvement in crimes such as voice phishing have been repatriated, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo strongly criticized the entire established political sphere for being responsible for the incident.

On October 18, Hong posted on his social media, stating, "The recent situation in Cambodia is entirely the responsibility of the established political class," and criticized, "It is a collective responsibility of the political establishment, which has been obsessed only with infighting and factional disputes."

Yonhap News Agency

He went on to link the current irresponsible attitude of politicians with the desperate reality facing young people, pointing out the structural problems that force youth to turn to illegal organizations. "It is not a world that gives young people dreams and hope, but one that makes them wish for fleeting luck, and this is what has driven our youth to criminal complexes in Cambodia," he said. "From now on, instead of shifting blame to each other, the political community must work together to foster a healthy youth culture."

Hong also criticized the government and politicians for failing to respond, even though the realities of such criminal organizations have already been depicted in films and dramas. "Before blaming them or Cambodia, please come up with fundamental measures to address why they were driven into a corner," he said. "Movies like Ma Dongseok's 'The Outlaws' and Choi Minsik's drama 'Casino' have already shown that these crimes are taking place in countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, yet our politicians have done nothing. What have they been doing all this time?"

This incident drew renewed attention as 64 South Koreans, who had been detained in Cambodia on charges of involvement in voice phishing and online fraud, were repatriated to Incheon International Airport on the morning of October 18 via a chartered flight. Upon arrival, they were immediately handed over to the police for investigation.

Ruling and Opposition Parties Continue to Clash Over Responsibility for Repatriation Incident

The political community has clashed head-on over the case. The People Power Party criticized the government for focusing solely on "exaggerating achievements." Park Sunghoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, commented, "The government is packaging the repatriation of criminals as if it were an achievement in protecting the public," and criticized, "They have neglected the victims and brought back the perpetrators first."

Cho Yongsul, spokesperson for the People Power Party, also condemned the government, calling it a "backward approach" that prioritized the repatriation of suspects over rescuing victims. He argued, "If the government were acting in accordance with common sense, rescuing the victims should be the priority," and added, "The focus on promoting achievements has only fueled public anger."

On the other hand, the Democratic Party of Korea evaluated the government's swift action positively, but warned the People Power Party not to use the issue for political gain. Baek Seungah, floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a National Assembly briefing, "This repatriation was possible thanks to the quick response of the diplomatic authorities," and emphasized, "Now is the time for the political community to cooperate in rescuing victims still stranded abroad and preventing secondary damage."