Another Korean National Found Dead in Vietnam... Body Left Unattended for Five Days in Luxury Villa

Second Korean National Found Dead in a Month After "Suitcase Body Case"
Police Investigate Staged Homicide and Links to Organized Crime

Another incident has occurred in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where a Korean man was found dead. With this violent crime confirmed in succession following the death of a Korean national just a month ago, local authorities are intensifying their investigation.

Scene of the incident reported by local media. Photo by Thanh Nien

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local media on December 8, a Korean man, identified as Mr. A, was found dead on December 7 (local time) in a luxury villa in Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. A was discovered inside the shower booth of his home, and the time of death is estimated to be about five days prior.

The police are focusing more on the possibility that the scene was staged as a suicide after a homicide, rather than a simple unexplained death. The investigation is being expanded to include Mr. A's recent activities, personal relationships, and financial transactions. At the same time, authorities are also looking into possible involvement of organized crime groups or international criminal organizations, without ruling out any angles.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City promptly requested a swift and thorough investigation from the local police as soon as the incident was reported," adding, "We have notified the bereaved family of the death and are providing necessary consular assistance, such as explaining funeral procedures." However, the ministry also noted, "As the investigation is ongoing locally, it is difficult to disclose specific details at this time."

This case marks the second death of a Korean national in a month, following the so-called "suitcase body case" that occurred last month. On November 23, a Korean man in his 30s was found dead inside a large suitcase in a residential area of Ho Chi Minh City, and local police apprehended two Korean suspects. Among them, Mr. B, a man in his 20s, was revealed to be a former member of an organized crime group active in the Gyeongbuk region.

At the time, the victim was believed to have been involved in crimes connected to scam organizations operating in "Wenchie" (a crime-prone area in Cambodia) and the Cambodia-Vietnam region. Police suspect that financial conflicts, including issues related to cyber gambling funds, were likely motives for the crime.

With a series of violent incidents targeting Korean nationals, the Korean government is reportedly considering strengthening safety measures for overseas citizens and enhancing cooperation with the Ho Chi Minh police.