Incidents rise 48.3 percent, with Cambodia showing the largest increase

A cycle rickshaw driver sits on his vehicle in front of the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This photo is unrelated to the story. (123rf)
A cycle rickshaw driver sits on his vehicle in front of the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This photo is unrelated to the story. (123rf)

Cases involving the kidnapping or confinement of South Koreans more than doubled last year across 10 countries frequently covered by Korean travel advisories, according to government data disclosed Sunday.

The number rose to 553 in 2025 from 246 in 2024, with Cambodia accounting for 510 cases, according to figures that Rep. Kim Jun-hwan of the Democratic Party of Korea obtained from the Foreign Ministry and National Police Agency.

Overall, incidents involving South Koreans in the 10 countries increased 48.3 percent to 4,016 from 2,708.

The figures cover a range of reports, including lost property, loss of contact and suspected disappearances.

The review covered Russia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cambodia, Thailand, China, El Salvador, Mexico, Lebanon, Iran and Laos — the countries where South Korea has most frequently issued travel advisories over the past five years.

Kim called on the Foreign Ministry and police to protect citizens seeking consular assistance and urged those planning overseas trips to check the ministry’s travel safety website before leaving.

China recorded the highest total, with 1,580 incidents last year, up from 1,133 in 2024. Thailand recorded 1,101, up from 755.

Cambodia’s total rose to 917 from 348. Its increase of 569 accounted for 43.5 percent of the overall rise across the 10 countries.

Kidnapping and confinement cases in Cambodia increased from 221 to 510. Reports of suspected disappearances rose from nine to 170, while cases involving loss of contact increased from 52 to 124.

Across all 10 countries, lost-contact cases rose from 248 to 617 and suspected missing-person cases increased from 39 to 188. Lost-property reports rose from 730 to 1,080.

A joint police unit established in Cambodia in December has rescued eight Koreans from criminal compounds and arrested 107 suspects, including alleged members of scam organizations.

The unit consists of seven Korean police officers and 12 Cambodian officers.

In July, the unit and Korean diplomatic officials rescued a Korean held in Sihanoukville after receiving a report from the person’s family. Two suspects were arrested.


hnpark@heraldcorp.com