Detention Reports Prompt Investigations as 11 Return with Abroad Detention Claims

Amid reports that South Korean nationals appear to have been kidnapped and detained in Cambodia, the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency is tracking the whereabouts of 15 individuals who have not returned to the country.

According to the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency on the 22nd, a total of 44 people who departed for Cambodia from January of last year to 6 p.m. on the 20th of this month were reported missing. Among them, 42 were male and 2 were female. The age groups were predominantly young adults, with those in their 20s, 20 people, and those in their 30s, 16 people.

Of these, the safety of 18 individuals has been confirmed, leading to the conclusion of investigations. Eleven individuals, after returning to the country, stated that they had suffered damages such as detention while abroad, and police investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, 15 individuals have yet to return, with only 2 of them being in contact with their families. The remaining 13 are out of contact, and one individual has been issued an Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organization, red notice.

Among the missing persons, a report was filed with the Seongnam Sujeong Police Station on the 9th by Mr. A, a man in his 20s, stating, "My son seems to have been detained in an unknown location in Cambodia." Additionally, a report was filed with the Suwon Gwonson Police Station on the 19th by Ms. B, a woman in her 20s, stating, "My daughter has been out of contact, and detention is suspected."

The purpose of departure was employment for 35 individuals, the most common, followed by travel for 9 individuals. A source from the police stated, "We are cooperating with the Cambodian embassy to confirm the whereabouts and safety of those who have not returned," adding, "We plan to expand cooperation with diplomatic authorities and Interpol if necessary."

Gyeonggi Nambu Police Track 15 Missing in Cambodia