[2025 Audit] Gimhae Airport Vulnerable to Cambodia-bound Crime..."Will Request Cooperation from Airlines"

Despite the widespread public outrage over the recent kidnapping and death of a Korean national in Cambodia, it has been pointed out that Korea Airports Corporation has taken virtually no preventive measures. Local criminal organizations are reportedly using airports with relatively less surveillance, such as Gimhae Airport, after departures to Cambodia through Incheon International Airport became restricted.

On the 22nd (local time), a view of a crime complex located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 27th, Lee Jeonggi, Acting President of Korea Airports Corporation, stated at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit held at Incheon International Airport Corporation, "We will work to ensure public safety by requesting cooperation from airlines and providing information on electronic display boards to warn about the risks of employment scams in Cambodia."

According to materials submitted by Korea Airports Corporation to Assemblyman Yeom Taeyoung of the Democratic Party of Korea, the corporation responded that preemptive activities within airports to prevent employment scams in Cambodia are "not under the corporation's jurisdiction."

This contrasts with the actions of Incheon International Airport Corporation, which has sent official cooperation requests to airlines and travel agencies and has implemented crime prevention measures through electronic display boards and information signs. Previously, on the 14th, a university student attempting to board a flight to Cambodia at Incheon Airport returned home after being dissuaded by Korean Air staff, drawing public attention. The following day, on the 15th, police stationed at Incheon Airport identified a suspected participant in a scam and prevented their departure.

National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit held on the 27th at the Incheon International Airport Corporation main conference room, Jung-gu, Incheon. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Assemblyman Yeom criticized, "Even today, there are tickets departing from Gimhae Airport, and one could reach Cambodia in just eight hours with a transfer. At this point, is there any institution that can claim it is not related? I believe this is far too complacent."