Two South Koreans kidnapped in Haiti freed unharmed

Two South Korean nationals working in Haiti have been safely released after being abducted by heavily armed gang members on July 31, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Wednesday.

The two men, employees of a South Korean company operating in the country, were kidnapped near La Paix Hospital while driving to work. Ministry officials confirmed that both individuals are in good health following their staggered releases.

"One of them was released August 18, followed by the release of the other on Tuesday. Their health conditions are good," the Foreign Ministry said in an official statement.

Following the initial report of the abduction to the South Korean Embassy in the Dominican Republic—which also handles diplomatic jurisdiction for Haiti—the South Korean government established an emergency task force. Officials worked in close coordination with Haitian authorities to secure the safe return of both workers.

The kidnapping highlights the ongoing security crisis in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation, where armed gangs exert widespread control over major territories, including parts of the capital.

Due to persistent violent instability, South Korea placed a travel ban on Haiti in May 2024, requiring citizens to obtain special government authorization to use their passports to remain in the country. Officials noted that both victims had successfully secured the required permits for their business operations prior to the incident.

Targeted abductions involving South Korean citizens in Haiti have occurred in previous years. In 2021, a missionary couple and three other foreign nationals were released 17 days after being kidnapped. A similar incident in 2005 saw a South Korean businessman held for three days before being safely freed.