Gov't identifies foreign trafficking victims, expands fast-track protecti...

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Gov't identifies foreign trafficking victims, expands fast-track protections

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By

Lee Kyung-min

Published

Apr 29, 2026 11:42 am

KST

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyong / Yonhap

Two foreign nationals were formally recognized as victims of human trafficking in Korea this week, in a case that underscores how labor and sexual exploitation continue to ensnare vulnerable migrants.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said Wednesday it confirmed a Vietnamese national and a Filipino national as victims following a review by its Trafficking in Persons Case Deliberation Committee held Tuesday. Under government guidelines, the two victims will receive support covering living expenses, medical care, employment assistance and legal aid.

Authorities said both individuals entered Korea for study or employment but were subjected to exploitation after arrival.

The Vietnamese victim, identified as A, arrived in June 2023 to enroll in a vocational school. Officials said the victim faced poor-quality instruction and was placed in field training that violated Ministry of Justice regulations, where wages were not paid. Sixteen other international students in the same program were previously recognized as victims last year.

The Filipino victim, identified only as B, arrived in Korea in October 2024 with aspirations of a singing career. Instead, investigators said, she was funneled into the entertainment industry and coerced into sex work and the sale of alcohol. She was never properly paid for her labor.

The ministry said it has also accelerated its response system this year, allowing victims to be recognized immediately without committee review when criminal harm is confirmed by agencies such as the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

A total of 15 people have been recognized as trafficking victims this year, including three through committee deliberation and 12 through the fast-track system. Since 2023, 72 victims have been identified and provided support.

The ministry said it will strengthen interagency cooperation to ensure early detection, protection and prevention.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.