South Korean authorities arrested 64 nationals repatriated from Cambodia over alleged involvement in cyber scams, human trafficking, and other criminal activities

Korean Air, the largest airline in South Korea, announced on Thursday that it will waive cancellation fees for all flights departing from Korea to Cambodia until year-end amid growing safety concerns over online scams.

South Korea called Thursday for stronger global cooperation at the United Nations to combat human trafficking tied to online scam operations in Cambodia.

Reports of South Koreans being held captive and tortured at scam compounds have led to travel bans and ripple effects on regional tourism.

Criticism of the South Korean government’s response is growing amid a surge in crimes targeting Koreans in Cambodia. Major countries like the United States have actively imposed financial sanctions on Cambodian groups and applied diplomatic pressure as casualties among their citizens increased.

Cambodia and South Korea have pledged to continue to strengthen their cooperation to prevent, suppress and combat online crimes. This work did not require prompting from any neighbouring country, Prime Minister Hun Manet noted pointedly,

Cambodia's reputation has taken a beating in the eyes of South Koreans amid growing concerns over online scams and the disappearance of hundreds of citizens who entered that country.