Phnom Penh, Cambodia – World Korean General Federation (WKGF) Chairman Ko Sang-gu made an unannounced visit to Cambodia to ascertain the substantive truth of the recent ‘Cambodia Incident’ that has stirred major controversy both domestically and internationally. The visit aimed to explore measures for the safety of the local Korean community and the normalization of Korea-Cambodia relations. On October 18 (local time), Chairman Ko held a meeting with key Korean community leaders at the Korean Association in Cambodia office in Phnom Penh to hear directly from the local expatriates.

Emphasis on Balance Between Protecting Nationals and Stabilizing Local Relations

The meeting was attended by key community representatives, including Chung Myung-kyu, Chairman of the Korean Association in Cambodia; Yang Seong-mo, Senior Vice Chairman of the Asia Hansang Federation; Moon Byung-soo, Chairman of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council Cambodia Chapter; and Hong Seung-kyun, Chairman of the Asia Hansang Cambodia Federation.

Chairman Ko Sang-gu opened the discussion by stressing that while "protecting its nationals is a state's natural duty, the stability of the local Korean community and the relationship between Korea and Cambodia are equally crucial matters that cannot be overlooked." This is interpreted as an emphasis on the need to pursue a balanced approach in resolving the situation, simultaneously upholding the human rights of Korean nationals and maintaining diplomatic and practical relations with the host country.

In response, local Korean expatriates pointed out that most Koreans arrested or implicated in crimes in Cambodia were not merely victims but perpetrators of illegal acts. They urged for a thorough investigation into the masterminds of the crimes through cooperative investigation with Cambodian authorities, while also expressing deep concern over the current situation where the honor of law-abiding Korean expatriates is being tarnished and they are suffering damages as a result of this incident.

“Exaggerated Reporting of Local Situation”... Warning Against Risk of Anti-Korean Sentiment Spread

Chairman Ko stated that upon personally verifying the situation on the ground in Cambodia, he confirmed that the content being circulated through domestic media reports and social media is "exaggerated and factually incorrect." He emphasized the urgent need for an objective and prudent response from the Korean press, political circles, and the government.

Chairman Koh referenced the contributions of overseas Koreans in building trust and a positive image for Korea abroad, expressing regret that this incident occurred just as the spread of the Korean Wave and economic exchange were gaining momentum.

In particular, he pointed to an instance where heightened anti-Thai sentiment due to a recent border dispute in a neighboring country led to the withdrawal of Thai distribution companies. Chairman Koh issued a strong warning that an inappropriate response from within Korea to the current incident could, if it escalates into anti-Korean sentiment, not only destroy the efforts and image cultivated by the approximately 10,000 Korean expatriates in Cambodia but also result in enormous long-term diplomatic and practical losses for the Republic of Korea.

‘Massive’ Economic Damage Following Raised Travel Advisory

The meeting saw numerous reports of damages, with the local Korean economy suffering massive blows due to the elevation of the travel advisory level, which extended even to areas unrelated to the criminal organizations. Stories were shared of expatriates facing direct threats to their livelihoods as tourism, business trips, and investments were canceled en masse.

Senior Vice Chairman Yang Seong-mo praised Chairman Koh's on-site visit as a desirable step toward the most objective grasp of the situation, stressing the importance of the local situation being reflected back home without distortion. He called for objective and neutral reporting from the media regarding the reality where "the majority of Korean expatriates diligently pursuing their livelihoods are being misunderstood as if they are involved in crime."

Na Yoon-jung, CEO of K-V Entertainment, also appealed that "the vast majority of expatriates are law-abiding citizens," yet the entire community is suffering due to a few participants, and that "misguided public opinion and false reports hurt the Korean expatriate community twice." She urged for careful handling by the media to prevent the deterioration of relations with the Cambodian people.

The Korean Association in Cambodia vowed that through this meeting, the community would unite to restore trust and work with the government to find practical solutions. Meanwhile, it is reported that during his visit, Chairman Koh Sang-gu met with National Assembly member Kim Byung-joo, Chief of the National Investigation Headquarters Park Sung-joo, and the Cambodian Police Consul to convey the position of the local Korean expatriates and specific measures for resolving the incident.