Seoul: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac announced Wednesday that the South Korean government is actively working to repatriate approximately 60 South Korean suspects who have been detained by Cambodian authorities for their involvement in job scams. This effort is set to take place by the weekend, as a joint response team prepares to depart for Phnom Penh in response to the recent public outcry over the torture and death of a Korean student.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi reported that a total of 63 South Korean suspects are currently in custody, having been apprehended by Cambodian law enforcement as part of a crackdown on job scams. Additionally, the South Korean foreign ministry disclosed on Tuesday that around 80 Koreans connected to these scams are either missing or their safety remains unconfirmed.

"Our top priority is to bring home some 60 Koreans detained by Cambodian authorities. It is important to swiftly remove them from the crime scene," Wi stated. He emphasized the goal of repatriating these individuals by the weekend. "Once they return to Korea, they will be subject to investigation and legal action depending on their level of involvement," Wi added, highlighting that these suspects are part of a larger group of several thousand individuals apprehended during Cambodia's recent crackdown on criminal activities.