On the occasion of the recent presidential election in South Korea, Cambodia’s former prime minister and current president of the Senate, Hun Sen, conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected South Korean President. More than a diplomatic formality, this message carries profound meaning for the future of Cambodia–South Korea relations, especially in light of the historic role Hun Sen has played in restoring and strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

It is important to recall that the modern diplomatic ties between Cambodia and South Korea were reestablished in 1997, at a time when Hun Sen was serving as the Second Prime Minister of Cambodia. After years of political turbulence and international isolation, Cambodia was emerging from the shadows of civil conflict and attempting to reintegrate itself into the global community. It was Hun Sen who made the strategic decision to renew formal diplomatic ties with Seoul, recognising its growing importance as an economic powerhouse and regional actor.

This historic decision laid the groundwork for a flourishing partnership across multiple domains — trade, investment, development aid, education, labour and cultural exchange. Today, South Korea is one of Cambodia’s key strategic partners in Asia, and Hun Sen’s early vision in reestablishing diplomatic ties continues to bear fruit.

What sets Hun Sen apart in the realm of foreign policy is his long-term, visionary approach to international relations. His outreach to South Korea was not driven by short-term political calculus, but by a genuine intention to open opportunities for Cambodia’s economic growth, modernisation and global connectivity. His continued efforts over the past two decades demonstrate his unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual respect, mutual benefit and non-interference in domestic affairs.

Hun Sen has always treated the relationship with South Korea as a strategic priority. From securing South Korean investments in real estate, telecommunications and banking, to encouraging Korean infrastructure development and agricultural cooperation in Cambodia, his administration made deliberate efforts to keep the relationship vibrant and beneficial. Moreover, his personal engagement in facilitating labour cooperation agreements has opened doors for thousands of Cambodian workers to gain employment in South Korea — improving not only their lives but also contributing to Cambodia’s broader economic development through remittances and skill transfer.

As South Korea now enters a new phase under its newly elected leadership, Cambodia should reflect on the significance of this enduring partnership and seek to further deepen the ties. South Korea is not merely another development partner; it is a global economic giant, ranked among the top 15 largest economies in the world. It is also recognised as the fifth most powerful military nation, possessing advanced technology, robust global trade networks and significant soft power influence through its cultural exports and development diplomacy.

Managing domestic discontent without damaging foreign relations

In any democratic society or emerging democracy, citizens — including migrant workers — have the right to voice their concerns. It is natural that some Cambodian workers in South Korea may express criticism or dissatisfaction with certain government policies back home. However, the Cambodian state should view such expressions as isolated individual actions, rather than reasons to reassess the entire bilateral relationship.

Cambodia must rise above reactionary diplomacy. The state should refrain from allowing individual grievances to overshadow the national interest. By maintaining a steady, forward-looking approach, Cambodia can protect and advance the larger strategic benefits of its ties with South Korea. After all, good diplomacy is not about silencing critics; it is about maximising national benefit while respecting freedom and diversity of opinion.

A Call for Strategic Adjustment

Another strategic area where Cambodia can signal goodwill and attract deeper engagement is in its visa policy. Vietnam, Thailand and Laos have already waived visa requirements for citizens of South Korea, Japan, and (soon) China, resulting in increased tourist arrivals, business activities and bilateral exchanges.

Cambodia should strongly consider adopting a similar approach. By lifting visa restrictions for travellers from South Korea, Japan and China, Cambodia would send a clear message that it is open for business, partnership and tourism. Such a move would place Cambodia in line with its regional peers and enhance its competitive edge in attracting investment and high-spending tourists.

Visa-free entry would also strengthen people-to-people ties, which are essential for long-term diplomatic goodwill. In the case of South Korea, such a policy could also boost labour cooperation and attract Korean retirees and digital nomads to reside in Cambodia, further diversifying the country’s economic base.

All in all, Hun Sen’s recent congratulatory message to the new South Korean President is more than just a diplomatic gesture — it is a symbolic reaffirmation of the long-standing friendship initiated under his leadership. It reflects Cambodia’s recognition of South Korea’s growing importance in global and regional affairs, and the desire to see this relationship continue to flourish.

As Cambodia charts its path forward under the leadership of a new generation, it must not lose sight of the foundations laid by Hun Sen’s visionary diplomacy. The relationship with South Korea is not only historically significant, but strategically essential. It is a relationship worth preserving, protecting and promoting — for the benefit of the Cambodian people, today and into the future.

Seun Sam is a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own.