Officials, Experts Urge Calm as Online Scam Case Tests Cambodia–South Korea Ties

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.20, 2025) — Cambodian officials and foreign policy experts are urging restraint amid public concern over a criminal case involving South Korean nationals, warning that the incident should not jeopardize longstanding diplomatic ties between Cambodia and South Korea.

The case centers on the alleged killing of a South Korean student by foreign nationals reportedly linked to online scam networks operating in southern Kampot province. Cambodian authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Touch Sokhak said the incident reflects a broader international challenge and emphasized the importance of diplomatic cooperation in addressing cybercrime.

“Good diplomatic relations are key to combating global crimes like online scams. These are not problems isolated to Cambodia,” Sokhak told reporters. “We understand the grief and concerns expressed by South Korean leaders and citizens, but we urge mutual understanding of Cambodia’s efforts as well. We are also a victim of these crimes.”

Sokhak said Cambodian authorities have intensified investigations and are working with international partners to dismantle organized crime networks.

“We’re not ignoring this. We’ve acted and will continue acting. Cambodia is fully committed to working with the international community,” he said.

The case has sparked criticism in South Korea, where some media outlets have linked Cambodia to transnational criminal activity. In response, Yang Peou, secretary-general of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, called for objectivity and warned against politicizing the incident.

“This matter must be handled by competent authorities under legal and international frameworks,” Yang said. “It is unhelpful to make assumptions or politicize the incident in ways that could harm bilateral relations or public trust.”

Peou said the crime was tragic but isolated, and cautioned against allowing it to define Cambodia’s international image or its diplomatic ties.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government on Tuesday denied a media report claiming it had considered military intervention to target scam operations in Southeast Asia. The report, published by the Bangkok Post on Oct. 15, was dismissed as inaccurate by the South Korean Embassy in Bangkok.

Cambodia and South Korea have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations for decades, with cooperation spanning development, education, tourism, and security. Both governments have pledged to strengthen coordination in tackling global challenges such as cybercrime and human trafficking.