Seoul: Former National Police Agency Commissioner General Kim Chang-yong has been appointed as South Korea's new ambassador to Cambodia, the foreign ministry announced, amid a rise in online scams targeting South Koreans in the Southeast Asian country.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the appointment came as South Korea and Cambodia have increased joint efforts to combat illegal online scam rings operating in Cambodia, involving many South Korean workers among other nationals, both as scam operators and victims of the rings' predatory practices. His appointment signals Seoul's intention to further enhance efforts against such crimes and to strengthen cooperation with the host country.

Kim, a graduate of the Korean National Police University, has a history of serving in significant roles such as head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's public safety bureau, commissioner of the National Police Agency, and consul in Sao Paulo and the United States. Last month, the government facilitated the return of 64 South Koreans detained in Cambodia over alleged online scams, bringing them home on a chartered flight to face criminal investigations in South Korea. Additionally, a dedicated police unit to tackle online crimes involving South Koreans was established in Cambodia earlier this month.

On the same day, the foreign ministry also appointed Jeong Yeon-doo, former ambassador to Turkey, as vice minister responsible for intelligence and North Korean nuclear issues.