Korean Man Killed in the Philippines… Growing Concerns Over Public Safety… Is It Still Safe to Travel?

At approximately 7:45 PM on March 7, a Korean man, identified as Mr. A, was shot by robbers in the streets of Malate, Manila. He was rushed to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. According to reports, Mr. A, who resided in the area, got into a scuffle with robbers attempting to pickpocket him before being shot by two of them. CCTV footage from the scene shows four robbers on two motorcycles following him into a narrow alley. Shortly afterward, the four suspects were seen fleeing back onto the main road, while a woman accompanying Mr. A was seen running into a nearby convenience store to seek help. Local police have stated that they are currently investigating the suspects and their motives.

Malate, where the crime occurred, is a major tourist hub in Manila and home to Manila’s Koreatown. However, due to the overall instability of public safety in the Philippines, violent crimes frequently occur in the area.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a total of 38 Koreans were murdered in the Philippines between 2015 and the first half of 2024, marking the highest number of such incidents in any Asia-Pacific country. A similar case occurred last year in Pattaya, Thailand, when a Korean man’s body was discovered in a reservoir. According to local Thai media reports, the suspects had allegedly drugged and kidnapped the victim in Bangkok before killing him. As incidents like these continue to unfold, concerns about the safety of traveling to Southeast Asia are growing. The recurrence of such tragedies this year has left many people questioning whether it is still safe to visit the region.

The news of the recent murder has sparked outrage and shock among Koreans, with many voicing their concerns about public safety in the Philippines. Comments such as “Another Korean has fallen victim?”, “With incidents like this happening repeatedly, I’m scared to travel to Southeast Asia,” and “Southeast Asia is a dangerous place” reflect the growing perception that the region is unsafe.

This raises critical issues that need to be addressed. Violent crimes targeting not only Korean but also other foreigners are on the rise. Such crimes have been occurring not only in the Philippines but also in other Southeast Asian countries, with criminals deliberately targeting Koreans. The hit movie <The Outlaws> was inspired by real-life cases of Korean-targeted crimes, and it seems that reality continues to mirror fiction.

As these incidents continue to repeat, it is imperative that both the Korean government and Philippine authorities take strong and proactive measures. At the same time, individuals must remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves. Ensuring the safety of Koreans abroad requires not just personal awareness but also a systematic response and cooperation at the national level.

LIYEON KIM

US ASIA K-UNIV REPORTER