President Lee Jae Myung has ordered the foreign ministry to make a concerted effort to respond to the recent spate of crime in Cambodia targeting South Korean nationals.

An official at the presidential office said Saturday that Lee instructed the ministry to do everything possible to protect South Koreans from crime in Cambodia, adding that the ministry is reviewing various measures to secure cooperation from the Cambodian government.

The official also said President Lee has expressed serious concern over the matter on several occasions.

On Friday night, the ministry elevated its travel alert for Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, to a special advisory.

This short-term measure can last up to 90 days and is taken when there is an urgent risk.