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Surge in Crimes Targeting South Koreans in Cambodia: Current Situation and Countermeasures

Recently, a series of incidents in Cambodia involving the kidnapping, confinement, assault, and even death of South Korean nationals has sent shockwaves through the Korean expatriate community and back home. As cases of individuals falling into a criminal abyss, lured by the promise of high-income job scams, are rapidly increasing, a multi-faceted analysis is required, covering everything from Cambodia’s relationship with South Korea to the local situation, our society’s responsibilities, and necessary countermeasures.

1. The Current Relationship between South Korea and Cambodia

South Korea and Cambodia have maintained a friendly relationship centered on economic cooperation since re-establishing diplomatic ties in 1997. As of 2024, bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion, and South Korea is one of Cambodia’s major foreign investors. This economic partnership is now facing a diplomatic test due to the recent criminal incidents.

To protect its citizens, the South Korean government has issued a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) or Level 3 (Recommend Departure) travel advisory for crime-ridden areas in Cambodia, including Sihanoukville, Poipet, Bavet, and Bokor Hill Station. In response, the Cambodian side has expressed regret, concerned about the potential negative impact on its investment and tourism industries, creating a subtle tension between the two nations. At the same time, the Cambodian government has expressed its willingness to cooperate in rescuing South Korean victims and dismantling criminal organizations, and joint investigations between the two countries’ law enforcement authorities are underway.

2. Distribution of Korean Expatriates in Cambodia and its Connection to Crime-Ridden Areas

As of 2023, it is estimated that approximately 7,800 South Koreans reside in Cambodia. They are primarily engaged in economic activities centered around the capital, Phnom Penh.

The problem is that some South Koreans also live or operate businesses in the border areas where crime is concentrated, such as Sihanoukville and Bavet. In Sihanoukville, in particular, the head of the local Korean association has been directly involved in rescue efforts, highlighting the direct threat these criminal organizations pose to the expatriate community. These groups have established large-scale, isolated “Scam Compounds,” which are physically separate from the general residential areas of expatriates. However, the spread of crime creates a sense of anxiety throughout the entire Korean community.

3. “Personal Responsibility” vs. “State’s Duty to Protect”

The question of whether the state should be responsible for individuals who “voluntarily entered the country seeking high returns” oversimplifies the issue. The majority of victims were deceived by advertisements on social media disguised as legitimate job offers, promising “guaranteed $10,000 monthly salary” and “free accommodation.” Most are young people in their 20s and 30s, driven by a desperate need to overcome financial difficulties.

It is difficult to assume they were aware they would be involved in illegal activities beforehand. The majority are victims of human trafficking who, upon arrival, have their passports and mobile phones confiscated and are forced through confinement, assault, and threats to commit crimes such as voice phishing and online gambling. Therefore, this should be viewed not as a matter of poor individual choice, but as a fundamental duty of the state to protect the lives and safety of its citizens. As stipulated in the Constitution, the state has an obligation to protect its nationals abroad, and rescuing and supporting citizens who have become victims of crime is a natural role of the state.

4. Potential Threats to General Tourists

To date, the incidents have been “targeted” crimes that lure victims with the promise of employment, rather than random kidnappings of general tourists. Therefore, the risk of an average tourist being abducted off the street is relatively low.

However, a situation where powerful criminal organizations control specific regions and corruption is rampant in law enforcement leads to overall public insecurity. The possibility of crimes targeting general tourists, such as pickpocketing and robbery, increasing as a means for these organizations to fund their activities cannot be ruled out. Particular caution is advised when visiting entertainment districts or isolated areas, as one could become a target.

5. Current Estimated Scale of Kidnapping Victims

While it is difficult to track the exact number of victims in real-time, official statistics suggest the severity of the situation. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 220 cases of confinement-related damages involving South Koreans in Cambodia were reported in 2024. In 2025, that number reached 330 by August alone, already far exceeding the previous year’s total.

Recent crackdowns by Cambodian authorities have led to the detention of about 80 South Koreans by local immigration, with around 60 of them currently undergoing repatriation procedures. This group includes a mix of suspects who participated in the crimes and victims, whose status will be determined through investigations in South Korea. It is presumed that there are more victims who are still out of contact or being held captive by criminal organizations.

6. Composition of Criminal Organizations

Online fraud and human trafficking crimes in Cambodia are known to be primarily led by Chinese-based criminal syndicates like the Triads. These groups have moved their bases of operation from China to Southeast Asian countries with weaker regulations, such as Cambodia and Myanmar, to evade crackdowns by Chinese authorities.

These organizations sometimes use South Koreans as middle managers or recruiters to efficiently manage Korean victims and deploy them in crimes targeting other Koreans. Among recently arrested cases, there have been incidents where South Koreans led operations to confine other Koreans and commit fraud.

7. Measures to Protect Oneself from Criminal Organizations

Preventing such tragedies requires a concerted effort from individuals, society, and the state.

• Individual Efforts:
  • Be Wary of Unverified High-Income Overseas Job Offers: Recognize that ads on social media promising “easy money for little work” are 100% scams. Legitimate companies do not communicate solely through anonymous messengers like Telegram.
  • Verify Formal Hiring Procedures: Always confirm the existence of the company and demand the issuance of a proper visa and a formal employment contract.
  • Share Your Whereabouts with Family and Friends: Before departure, be sure to share detailed local information (company name, address, contact numbers, etc.) with family or friends.
• Role of Government and Society:
  • Strong Diplomatic Response and International Cooperation: Continuously demand that Cambodian authorities take strong action to dismantle criminal organizations and protect our citizens.
  • Strengthen Prevention Campaigns and Education: Actively promote awareness campaigns about the dangers of job scams and enhance pre-departure education for those seeking overseas employment.
  • Reinforce Victim Rescue and Support Systems: Increase consular staff at local diplomatic missions and establish a system to ensure victims are swiftly rescued and receive psychological and legal support upon their return to Korea.

In conclusion, the crimes targeting South Koreans in Cambodia should be recognized not as a matter of individual carelessness, but as a severe human rights violation and a social disaster orchestrated by transnational criminal organizations. It is a critical time for a more fundamental and systematic national response to protect our citizens while raising public vigilance.