The Democratic Party of Korea on the 15th decided to establish a "task force for the safety of overseas Koreans" in connection with the kidnapping and confinement of Koreans and to urgently dispatch to Cambodia Supreme Council member Kim Byung-joo, who will serve as Director General, and others.
At its Supreme Council meeting that day, the Democratic Party decided on forming the "task force for the safety of overseas Koreans" with Kim, a Supreme Council member and former Army general, as Director General. The deputy directors general will be Supreme Council member Hwang Myung-seon, lawmaker Lim Ho-seon, a former police officer, and lawmaker Hong Ki-won, a former diplomat, and additional Commissioners will be appointed. The task force will actively support the government's response, including streamlining reporting procedures and strengthening coordination among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, police, and local public security authorities.
In particular, the four lawmakers first appointed to the task force will head to Cambodia this evening.
At the kickoff meeting of the task force for the safety of overseas Koreans, Supreme Council member Kim said, "Our young people are facing threats to their lives in Cambodia. We must put everything aside and rescue them," adding, "The four task force lawmakers will fly to Cambodia this evening to work to rescue the people."
Kim noted, "The top priority is to go first and accurately grasp the local situation," adding, "We expect the government's comprehensive task force will also go by chartered plane today. We will support the government's comprehensive response team so it can carry out its activities."
He added, "In addition to rescue support, we will identify what needs to be reinforced in terms of laws, budgets, or systems going forward," noting, "Once we return, the Democratic Party will take the lead to protect our people."