A child who had not enrolled in school and whose whereabouts had remained unknown for an extended period was found overseas thanks to the persistent efforts of the police and the consulate.
The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency announced on January 14 that, in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City, they located a local preschool-aged child, referred to as A, in Vietnam on January 9.
Child A was scheduled to enter an elementary school in the province in March of last year but did not attend school.
As a result, the school requested a police investigation to determine A’s whereabouts and safety.
The Republic of Korea consul dispatched to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and children including Mr. A. Provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency
The whereabouts and safety of child A could not be confirmed for a long time. During the investigation, the police discovered that A, a child from a multicultural family, was in Vietnam, his mother’s home country, and provided this lead to the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City.
The responsible consul personally traveled to A’s residential area, located about eight hours by car from Ho Chi Minh City, and, together with the local police station and immigration office, searched for A’s residence.
They conducted inquiries at local supermarkets, pharmacies, and other nearby locations, and confirmed that A was living safely with his mother and attending a local elementary school.
The police concluded that the delay in confirming A’s whereabouts was due to his mother returning to her home country for personal reasons.
The Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, which checks the whereabouts and safety of children who miss preliminary enrollment, are not enrolled, or are absent for extended periods every year, reported that the whereabouts and safety of all 20 children, including A, who were referred for investigation last year, have been confirmed.
Additionally, a joint inspection of children who did not attend preliminary enrollment has been underway since January 2 and will continue for two months.
Commissioner Kim Jongcheol stated, "It is highly significant that we were able to confirm the safety of children staying overseas through cooperation with overseas missions," adding, "We will continue to expand and strengthen international cooperation with countries such as China and Vietnam and do our utmost to ensure the safety of our citizens."
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