Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Cambodia’s National Police confirmed on Friday that South Korean national Choi Taewon is set to be deported from the country and will be barred from re-entry. This decision comes after a request for intervention from Choi’s family, who expressed fears that he had been detained under duress in Kandal province.

The intervention request was submitted on October 29, 2024, following reports from Choi’s family that they had lost contact with him, leading them to believe he was being held against his will. Acting swiftly on the information provided, Kandal Provincial Police successfully located Choi in a special economic zone in Sampov Poun commune, Sampov Poun city.

Upon investigation, police officials found that Choi was neither detained nor mistreated, contradicting the initial claims made by his family. Further inquiries revealed that Choi had traveled to Cambodia in search of high-paying employment opportunities and had subsequently secured a job, which included proper accommodation and sufficient food, as well as the freedom to move.

The concerns raised by Choi’s family reportedly stemmed from his failure to maintain contact, which led them to believe he was in distress. Police authorities noted that, although there was no evidence of illegal detention or mistreatment, Choi had not cooperated with officials in providing information regarding his arrival or job situation, nor had he communicated with his family about his whereabouts.

This lapse in communication ultimately resulted in a misunderstanding, prompting unnecessary concern for both his family in South Korea and the authorities in Cambodia.

In light of the findings, Cambodian police confirmed that Choi Taewon will be processed for deportation at the General Department of Immigration, and he will face a ban from re-entering the country in the future. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and the potential for misunderstandings to escalate into serious situations.