25.10.14.Today News : Korean Police Push to Repatriate Interpol Red Notice Fugitives Detained in Cambodia First

Korean Police Push to Repatriate Interpol Red Notice Fugitives Detained in Cambodia First

📍Among 63 Korean nationals imprisoned in Cambodia, those with serious charges to be prioritized for return — Meanwhile, 80 missing Koreans and Seo Se-won’s death highlighted

The Korean National Police Agency announced plans to repatriate Korean criminals detained in Cambodia, starting with those under Interpol Red Notices. Meanwhile, about 80 Koreans are currently missing or unconfirmed in Cambodia. Additionally, Seo Dong-joo’s remarks about her late father, Seo Se-won, have brought renewed attention to his death.

The National Police Agency is prioritizing the repatriation of Interpol Red Notice fugitives among the 63 Korean criminals detained in Cambodia, and the death of Seo Se-won in Cambodia is also being reexamined.

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🔹 Priority Repatriation of Interpol Red Notice Detainees
The police announced on the 14th that they are “pushing for the rapid repatriation of 63 Korean nationals detained in Cambodia, beginning with those under INTERPOL Red Notices.” This move comes amid rising crimes targeting Koreans in Cambodia, including confinement, fraud, and illegal employment arrangements.

An official said, “We will prioritize red notice fugitives and serious offenders, and then proceed with phased repatriation of remaining detainees.” The process is coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and domestic investigation will follow repatriation.

The National Police Agency is also considering dispatching two additional liaison officers to Cambodia. At the Korea-Cambodia bilateral meeting during the International Chiefs of Police Conference starting October 20 in Seoul, the establishment of a ‘Korean Desk’ will be discussed to deploy officers dedicated to crimes targeting Koreans. The police aim to complete the repatriation within one month, with nationwide analysis of investigation leads and assignment to local dedicated teams.

🔹 About 80 Koreans Missing or Unconfirmed in Cambodia
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of August, about 80 Koreans in Cambodia are unconfirmed or missing due to disconnection or confinement. This figure is based on embassy reports and may overlap with domestic police records, with cross-verification ongoing. From 2023 to August 2024, there were 330 reports this year and 220 last year; most have been resolved through rescue, deportation, self-escape, or return to Korea.

🔹 Safety Concerns for Korean Residents
Reports of Koreans involved in illegal online gambling and voice phishing in Cambodia have heightened safety concerns in the local community. The Korean Embassy is reinforcing support and collaborating with Cambodian authorities for repatriation and investigation. Police are also stationed at Incheon Airport exit gates to warn students and youth potentially lured by employment scams or phishing, preventing them from traveling to Cambodia.

🔹 Seo Se-won’s Death in Cambodia
Separately, Seo Dong-joo highlighted her father’s death in Cambodia during a recent “Sebasi Talk” video. She reflected on overcoming personal hardships through writing and painting and candidly shared her complex emotions toward her father.

Seo Se-won suffered cardiac arrest while receiving an IV drip at a Korean hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and ultimately died from shock. He was 67 years old. He reportedly had a history of diabetes. After divorcing Seo Jeong-hee in 2015, he remarried in 2016 to a 23-years-younger haegeum player, Ms. Kim, and had a daughter. The daughter born to his second wife is currently 8 years old. Seo Se-won had been residing in Cambodia since 2020 with his second wife.

One-line summary : The Korean police plan to repatriate 63 nationals detained in Cambodia, prioritizing Interpol fugitives, while about 80 missing Koreans and Seo Se-won’s death in Cambodia are also highlighted.