President Lee Calls for Immediate Repatriation of Abducted Koreans in Cambodia

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday urged urgent action to repatriate Koreans abducted by criminal groups or detained by authorities in Cambodia. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting in Seoul, Lee emphasized that “safeguarding our citizens’ lives and safety is the government’s highest responsibility.”
Many of the victims are believed to have been lured to Cambodia by fake job advertisements and subjected to slavery and torture in scam compounds. The call for action follows reports of the death of a 22-year-old student, caused by cardiac arrest due to torture, as well as the rescue of other South Koreans held for months.
Lee instructed government agencies to accelerate cooperation with Cambodian authorities and implement stricter travel advisories to high-risk areas. He also urged diplomatic missions to respond promptly to assistance requests and emphasized that budgetary constraints should not delay repatriation efforts. National security aide Wi Sung-lac highlighted the need for swift humanitarian action to protect South Korean citizens abroad.