A shocking report from South Korean media has sparked public outrage after a man who escaped from a scam compound in Cambodia said he was turned away by the South Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh because it was “outside working hours.”
As authorities in both South Korea and Cambodia ramp up cooperation to crack down on online scam networks targeting Korean nationals, the case has reignited debate over the embassy’s handling of emergency situations.
A Desperate Escape from Sihanoukville
According to a report by KBS on October 19, the incident took place in April, when a man identified only as Mr. A fled a scam operation in Sihanoukville — a coastal city notorious for cyber fraud and human trafficking.
After a long and dangerous journey, Mr. A finally reached the South Korean Embassy in Phnom Penh at around 6 a.m., seeking urgent protection. However, an embassy staff member allegedly refused him entry, stating that “the embassy opens at 8 a.m.”
When he pleaded to at least stay temporarily in the parking area, the request was also denied. Mr. A said he had no choice but to wait two more hours outside the building, terrified of being recaptured.
“I was exhausted and terrified after escaping from Sihanoukville. Even in front of my own embassy, I was scared I’d be taken again,” Mr. A told KBS.
A Night of Fear and Survival
Before his escape, Mr. A reportedly tried to contact the embassy for help but could not send his location or photos.
“Sending any image was impossible because all communication with the outside world was blocked,” he said.
According to The Asia Business Daily, Mr. A escaped through a back door at night, walking for hours before catching a ride to Phnom Penh. “I thought I might die that night,” he said, adding that he hid in roadside bushes multiple times and even posted SOS messages online to call for help.
Similar Cases Raise Alarm
KBS also cited a similar incident in June 2024, when another Korean national who escaped a scam ring was made to wait outside the embassy before being allowed entry.
In response, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the previous delay was caused by local security guards, not embassy staff. The ministry acknowledged ongoing challenges, including a shortage of security personnel at the Cambodian mission.
Between January and August 2025, the ministry received over 330 reports of possible kidnappings or illegal detentions of South Korean nationals in Cambodia.
Hundreds of Koreans Still Trapped in Scam Gangs
In a related development, 64 South Korean citizens detained in Cambodia on suspicion of involvement in online scams were repatriated on October 18, according to Yonhap News. Most will reportedly face investigation as criminal suspects upon returning home.
The growing number of cases highlights the human toll of Southeast Asia’s cyber scam industry, where thousands of foreign workers—many deceived by fake job offers—are forced to participate in criminal networks operating from cities like Sihanoukville.
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Source: Vietnam Insider