Presidential Office Holds Second TF Meeting on 'Cambodia Incident'... Discusses Countermeasures Against 'Balloon Effect'

Strengthening Cooperation with Southeast Asian Countries
Travel Advisory Adjustments to Be Reviewed Based on Ongoing Crime Situation and Local Government Safety Efforts

In response to the recent scam crimes involving Korean nationals in Cambodia, the Presidential Office held a task force (TF) meeting with relevant ministries and decided to strengthen diplomatic cooperation with various Southeast Asian countries.

Yonhap News

On the 20th, Kang Yoojung, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office, "The 'TF on Crimes Involving Koreans in Cambodia' held its second meeting today and discussed countermeasures against the so-called 'balloon effect,' where scam crime syndicates in Cambodia relocate to other Southeast Asian countries."

During this meeting, participants focused on strengthening cooperation with police and intelligence authorities in each country and on measures to prevent Korean nationals from entering local scam operations. Attendees agreed on the need to significantly increase the number of personnel dispatched to the region and to tighten immigration screening. They also resolved to establish practical cooperation systems and set up hotlines with the relevant countries.

To this end, the government will actively utilize multilateral diplomatic platforms. Efforts will be made to strengthen security cooperation by dispatching high-level delegations, utilizing official development assistance (ODA), and leveraging the Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Fund. In addition, top-down cooperation will be promoted at both bilateral and multilateral diplomatic events, such as the ASEAN Summit scheduled for next week. The ongoing International Police Chiefs Conference will also serve as an opportunity to discuss enhanced cooperation with police leadership from various countries.

Kang added, "The recent decision to raise the travel advisory for certain regions in Cambodia will be reviewed and adjusted based on the ongoing crime situation and the local government's efforts to improve public safety," and emphasized, "The government will make every effort to implement the outcomes of today's meeting and ensure thorough follow-up measures."