Seoul: Two South Korean employees of a local company who were kidnapped by a gang in Haiti have been safely released after about a month in captivity, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday. On July 31, the two individuals were abducted in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, while on their way to work.
According to Yonhap News Agency, one of the kidnapped individuals was released on August 18, with the other being released the following Tuesday. The foreign ministry confirmed that both individuals are in good health. The South Korean Embassy in the Dominican Republic, which also manages relations with Haiti, reported the kidnapping, prompting the government to form a task force. They worked closely with Haitian authorities to ensure the safe release of the hostages.
The kidnapping transpired amidst worsening security conditions in Haiti, where gangs hold significant power over certain regions. Due to the prevailing security situation, South Korea has designated Haiti as a travel-ban country since May 2024. South Koreans wishing to travel to Haiti must obtain special permission to use their passports for staying in the country.
The two abducted South Koreans were in Haiti with such special permission for business purposes, as confirmed by the ministry. There is a history of similar incidents involving South Koreans in Haiti. In 2005, a South Korean businessman was kidnapped and released three days later. In 2021, a missionary couple, along with three other foreign nationals, was abducted and subsequently released after 17 days.