Korean College Student Kidnapped, Tortured, And Killed In Cambodia
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South Koreans are expressing growing concerns after news outlets reported that a college student was found dead after being tortured in Cambodia.
According to the police and the bereaved family on October 9, 2025 (KST), the 22-year-old Student A left home in July, saying they would attend an exhibition in Cambodia during their summer break. About a week after their departure, their family received a phone call from Student A’s phone number. A Chinese Korean man threatened the family, saying, “Student A has been detained for causing trouble and needs ₩50.0 million KRW (about $35,200 USD) for their release.”
The family reported everything to the police and the Cambodian embassy, but were unsuccessful in locating Student A. In the meantime, the blackmailers cut off contact with the family.
Eventually, on August 8, Student A’s body was found in Kampot Province. According to the local police investigation, it was revealed that Student A suffered extreme torture and pain, ultimately passing away due to cardiac arrest.
The family, who have not been able to recover the body for over two months, are now expecting to receive Student A’s remains later this month, following autopsy and cremation procedures in Cambodia. All authorities involved are continuing their investigation into the criminal organization.
After reading the death certificate, we can’t sleep thinking about how much our child must have suffered. It’s unbearable. [The body] has been left in a Cambodian freezer, unable to even return home after death. It feels like killing my baby twice.
— The Bereaved
The news reports included shocking details about the rise in the number of kidnapping cases involving South Koreans in Cambodia since 2022. According to Joongang Ilbo, there were around 10-20 cases between 2022 and 2023 but the number has surged to 220 in 2024 and 330 as of August 2025. These numbers alone are leaving Koreans concerned.
- “Damn… I feel bad for the bereaved.”
- “Oh no… May they rest in peace.”
- “330 cases…???????”
- “In this case, Student A supposedly went to Cambodia to get paid for selling their own bank account as a burner, so I can’t really pity him… But the people who were kidnapped while there on business trips are truly tragic.”
- “It’s the Chinese.”
- “I hear package tours are safer, but that’s only so far. If something unexpected happens and someone gets separated, that’s terrifying. Honestly, it’s best not to go at all.”
- “This is just too scary…”
- “With all these voice phishing scams running rampant and so many people losing so much money… Of course, some people are going to be tempted to go.”
- “May the deceased rest in peace.”
- “Is this happening only to Koreans?”
- “What is the South Korean government even doing?!”
As of September 16, the South Korean government has since issued travel advisories with Phnom Penh being under Level 2 (“Refrain from Travel”) while Sihanoukville, Bokor Mountain, and Bavet are under Level 2.5.
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