[2025 Audit] Ruling and Opposition Parties Criticize Government's Response to Cambodia Incident... Cho Hyun Offers "Deep Apology"

Criticism Mounts Over Foreign Ministry's Delayed Response
Cho Hyun: "Full Efforts Including Launch of Korea Task Force"

On October 28, both the ruling and opposition parties strongly criticized the government’s inadequate response to the Cambodia incident during a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and related agencies held by the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, the government’s response to the Cambodia incident-where a series of crimes against Korean nationals by overseas criminal organizations have occurred-was brought into question.

Kim Seokki, a member of the People Power Party and chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, stated, “Yesterday, the President met with the Cambodian Prime Minister and agreed to form a dedicated task force. Why did the government not establish such measures sooner?” He further criticized, “If the government had responded with full force from the beginning and the President had taken the lead, these fatal incidents might have been prevented.”

Yonhap News Agency

Kim Kiwoong, another member of the People Power Party, pointed out, “After the report of the incident involving the torture and death of a Korean university student in Cambodia, neither the President, the Prime Minister, the Minister, nor the National Security Advisor made a single phone call to the local embassy. Appropriate follow-up actions must be taken as well.”

Song Eonseok, also from the People Power Party, remarked, “When the government became aware of the incident on August 10, it claimed that the cause of death was unclear and reported it as an ordinary accident, saying they were unaware of the risks. Isn’t this perjury?” He added, “It is a blatant lie to say they were unaware of the seriousness of the problem and did not report the cause.” He also called for an apology from Minister Cho Hyun.

The Democratic Party of Korea also raised concerns about the government’s negligent response. Han Jeongae, a member of the Democratic Party, stated, “There was a rapid increase in reports to the consular call center, and citizens continuously sent warning signals. Despite signs appearing in various places, the government neglected to seek assistance from local police forces.”

Hong Giwon, another Democratic Party member, pointed out, “The only instructions from headquarters were to ‘respond actively to such reports’ and to send a text message warning, ‘Beware of employment scams in Cambodia.’ Due to headquarters’ dereliction of duty, such incidents occurred, causing great suffering for compatriots and embassy staff, yet the Minister has no substantial countermeasures.”

On this day, Minister Cho Hyun explained through a policy report that the Korean and Cambodian governments have agreed to operate a “Korea Task Force” starting in November to resolve the issue, outlining future response measures. Minister Cho stated, “I deeply apologize for the distress caused by the surge in employment scams and confinement cases affecting our citizens in Cambodia. Using this incident as a turning point, I will make every effort to ensure there is no negligence in protecting the lives and safety of our people.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.