Strong Criticism of the Government's Inadequate Response
Call for Comprehensive, Victim-Centered Measures
Members of the Sejong City Council affiliated with the People Power Party are posing. Photo by the Secretariat of the Assembly
The kidnapping of Korean nationals in Cambodia has sent shockwaves not only throughout South Korea but also across the international community. There is a growing outcry for a proactive response from the government.
On October 24, at the 101st extraordinary session, the Sejong City Council (Chairman Lim Chaeseong) adopted a resolution urging the government to take active measures to rescue Korean victims of the Cambodia incident. The resolution was sponsored by Assemblyman Kim Gwangun of the People Power Party.
The resolution calls on the government to take a more proactive role in rescuing victims and protecting overseas Korean nationals, in light of the recent spate of kidnappings, detentions, and exploitation of Koreans in the Cambodia region.
The council emphasized, "This incident is not simply a matter of overseas public order, but a structural tragedy arising amid social despair, such as youth unemployment and increasing debt." It further stressed, "Protecting the lives and safety of citizens is the most fundamental duty of the state."
The council strongly criticized the government for prioritizing the repatriation of suspects over the rescue of victims, for administrative issues such as returning some suspects without conducting joint local investigations despite suspicions of involvement in serious crimes, and for inadequate responses from overseas diplomatic missions.
Through this resolution, the council urged the government to: ▲ establish a rapid victim rescue and comprehensive protection system; ▲ set up a 24-hour emergency response system at overseas diplomatic missions and strengthen international joint investigations; ▲ devise fundamental measures to eradicate overseas employment fraud and illegal job placement advertisements; and ▲ immediately implement structural reforms to stabilize youth employment and expand the social safety net.
Assemblyman Kim Gwangun pointed out, "It is a very serious problem when embassy staff turn away a wanted criminal leader who comes to the embassy, citing a lack of authority." He added, "Negligence and lax discipline at overseas diplomatic missions must be rectified." He further emphasized, "This is not just a criminal case, but a collective victimization of the younger generation caused by the government's irresponsible response. The government must come up with practical measures that put the life and safety of every single victim first."
Meanwhile, the adopted resolution will be delivered to relevant institutions, including the Presidential Office, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Agency, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cambodia.
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