Cambodian Police: South Korean Student Tortured, Killed; Two Chinese Nationals Arrested

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct.11,2025) — Cambodian police said a South Korean college student who was reported kidnapped in July was tortured and killed, with his body discovered Aug. 8 in a vehicle descending Bokor Mountain in Kampot province. Two Chinese nationals have been arrested in connection with the case.

The General Commissariat of National Police of the Ministry of Interior confirmed Friday that the victim, Park Minho, 22, arrived in Cambodia on July 17. Preliminary autopsy results indicated Park died from severe torture, with multiple bruises and blood marks on his body, police said.

Authorities said the case matches one reported Oct. 10 by the South China Morning Post, which stated a South Korean student had been kidnapped by a criminal group demanding a ransom of 50 million won (about $35,000).

Police said Park’s body was found around 2 a.m. in a car traveling down Bokor Mountain toward Kampot town. The two men in the vehicle, both Chinese nationals, were arrested on the spot. They were allegedly attempting to move the corpse.

Investigators later raided a location where Park was believed to have been held before his death and found evidence of illegal online activity. A third suspect, the building manager, was arrested at the scene. A fourth suspect, a Chinese man known only as “Hai,” believed to be about 30 years old, remains at large.

Police rejected media reports claiming the victim’s family or the South Korean Embassy had contacted Cambodian authorities before the body was found. “Cambodian police did not receive any prior complaint or information,” the statement said.

The National Police said they are working closely with the South Korean Embassy in Cambodia to complete legal procedures and continue efforts to locate the remaining suspect and any accomplices.

According to The Korea Times, Park told his family he was traveling to Cambodia to attend an exhibition. About a week after his arrival, the family received a call from a man speaking Korean with a Chinese accent, claiming Park had “caused trouble” and was being detained. The caller demanded 50 million won for his release.

The family reportedly contacted the Cambodian Embassy and local police, but communication with the alleged kidnappers was cut off after four days.
Two weeks later, Park’s body was found. Authorities said he died from cardiac arrest caused by torture and extreme pain.