Seoul: A South Korean national detained in the Philippines, Park Wang-yeol, was temporarily repatriated to South Korea to face an investigation into alleged cross-border drug trafficking, Cheong Wa Dae announced. Park, who has been serving a 60-year prison sentence in the Philippines since 2022 for killing three South Koreans in 2016, is suspected of smuggling drugs into South Korea through accomplices via social media platforms. He is known as a "drug kingpin" operating under the Telegram alias "Worldwide."

According to Yonhap News Agency, Park arrived at Incheon International Airport aboard an Asiana Airlines passenger flight at 6:34 a.m. He was seen handcuffed and surrounded by police and justice ministry officials as he was transferred to the Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police. His repatriation follows more than nine years of efforts by Seoul to secure his return, highlighted by a recent request for cooperation from President Lee Jae Myung to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

"Park's repatriation demonstrates the government's firm commitment to ensuring that criminals hiding overseas are held accountable by all means," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated in a written briefing. Upon his arrival, law enforcement authorities will immediately take Park into custody and launch a comprehensive investigation into the drug trafficking allegations.

Park is being brought to South Korea under an extradition treaty that allows temporary repatriation for criminal proceedings by suspending trial or the execution of a sentence in the Philippines. The government is determined to uncover all criminal activities committed by Park and ensure he is strictly punished by tracking down his accomplices and illicit proceeds.

The spokesperson further emphasized the government's efforts to combat transnational crimes and strengthen international coordination in pursuing fugitives abroad.