Seoul: The foreign ministry has pledged to expedite the return of a South Korean student’s remains who was tortured to death in Cambodia in connection with a suspected employment scam. This announcement comes over two months after the student was found dead.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the student’s body was discovered in August near Bokor Mountain, an area known for employment scams and detentions targeting South Koreans. Cambodian authorities suspect the student died from cardiac arrest caused by torture. However, the repatriation process has been delayed as the body remains in Cambodia without undergoing an autopsy, due to cooperation issues with local authorities. This situation has provoked a public outcry in South Korea.
The foreign ministry stated that efforts have been ongoing to conduct an autopsy and repatriate the student’s body. They have requested a swift investigation from Cambodian authorities after being notified of the student’s death. The ministry also highlighted a concerning rise in the number of South Korean victims involved in employment scams and detentions in Cambodia, as more South Koreans are being coerced into working at online scam centers in the country.
In response, the ministry has urged Cambodian authorities to simplify the procedures for reporting detentions at these centers. Currently, victims must file a report themselves and provide various documentation, including a copy of their passport. The ministry also acknowledged that some individuals voluntarily work at these centers, potentially acting as scammers targeting fellow South Koreans.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun took action by summoning the Cambodian ambassador in Seoul on Friday to protest the incident leading to the student’s death. Additionally, a special travel advisory has been issued for Phnom Penh.