Seoul: The number of overseas South Koreans who have gone missing or are out of contact has seen a consistent rise over the last five years, as indicated by foreign ministry data released on Sunday. This trend has raised concerns among officials and prompted calls for enhanced measures to address the situation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, data obtained by the office of Rep. Hong Kee-won from the ruling Democratic Party revealed that a total of 52 South Koreans were unaccounted for after going missing or losing contact between 2020 and 2024. The figures demonstrate a worrying upward trajectory, increasing from just two cases in 2020 to six in 2021, three in 2022, 18 in 2023, and reaching 23 last year.
Of the missing individuals, 47 were located in Asia-Pacific regions, three in the Americas, and two in Europe. In response to these incidents, the ministry has informed Hong’s office that it is actively engaging with investigative authorities in the host countries to address the issue.
Hong Kee-won emphasized the seriousness of these disappearances, categorizing them as significant incidents that impact public safety. He urged the ministry to develop effective measures to minimize such occurrences in the future, highlighting the need for proactive strategies to ensure the safety of overseas Koreans.