Cambodia Urges Cooperation After South Korea Issues Diplomatic Warning Over Crimes Targeting Nationals

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 14, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior on Tuesday called for mutual cooperation rather than blame following South Korea’s diplomatic response to recent crimes targeting its nationals in Cambodia.

The statement came after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Saturday ordered “all-out diplomatic measures” in response to reports of South Koreans being victimized in Cambodia, including cases involving job scams and unlawful confinement.

Interior Ministry spokesman Touch Sokhak said Cambodia is also a victim of transnational online scams and emphasized the need for joint action.

“Online scams are a global issue that span across countries. Blaming one nation could provide space for international criminal networks to exploit,” Sokhak said. “We don’t reject South Korea’s cooperation, and we share their sorrow over the recent death of a South Korean national. But Cambodia, too, is a victim and deserves understanding.”

Sokhak reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to enforcement, citing past crackdowns and ongoing efforts.

The remarks follow the confirmed killing of Park Minho, a 22-year-old South Korean student whose body was discovered Aug. 8 in a vehicle descending Bokor Mountain in Kampot province. Two Chinese nationals were arrested at the scene.

South Korea has since raised its travel advisory for Phnom Penh and summoned Cambodia’s ambassador to Seoul to express “strong concern.”