Seoul: South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has summoned the Cambodian ambassador to Seoul in response to the death of a South Korean student in Cambodia linked to an employment scam. The minister urged for stronger measures to address the increasing number of online scams and detentions that are affecting South Koreans in Cambodia.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean student, in his 20s, was reportedly tortured to death in August by a local criminal organization in Cambodia. The official cause of death listed by Cambodian police was cardiac arrest due to torture and extreme pain. Minister Cho met with Ambassador Khuon Phon Rattanak to express grave concerns over the ongoing incidents targeting Korean nationals in the country.

Cho emphasized the need for immediate action to eradicate online scams and called for enhanced cooperation between the two nations to ensure the safety of South Koreans. Specifically, he proposed the establishment of a "Korean Desk" and strengthened bilateral police cooperation to prevent further harm and facilitate swift responses when needed.

The foreign minister's unusual move to summon a foreign diplomat, typically handled at the director-general level, highlighted the government's serious stance on the issue. In response, the ambassador acknowledged the concerns of the South Korean government and pledged to communicate them accurately to his home government.

In a bid to protect its citizens, South Korea has upgraded its travel advisory for Phnom Penh from a Level 2 "Exercise Caution" alert to a special travel advisory, equivalent to Level 2.5 on South Korea's four-tier system. This advisory, effective for 90 days, advises nationals to avoid travel to Phnom Penh or leave the area if already there, with the possibility of extension if necessary.

South Korean authorities are in discussions with Cambodian officials regarding the conduct of an autopsy, which is planned for later this month. The student's body has not been repatriated for two months following his death on August 8. He had traveled to Cambodia in mid-July, purportedly to attend an exhibition. A week after his departure, his family received a blackmail call demanding 50 million won (approximately US$35,200), with communication ceasing four days later. The student was found dead two weeks after the call.