Moyale, Kenya| Two South Korean nationals who were abducted from the border town of Odda in Moyale, Marsabit County, nine months ago are reportedly being held captive in Somalia by suspected members of the Al Shabaab terrorist group.
The victims, identified as Mr. David Lee and his mother-in-law, Ms. Hiwi Sokk Cheon, were kidnapped on August 12, 2024, by heavily armed assailants who stormed their residence near the Kenya-Ethiopia border.
The pair, known in the local community for their humanitarian and missionary work, were taken from their home in a brazen daylight attack, according to local sources.
This week, a disturbing video surfaced online showing the two captives seated on plastic chairs in what appears to be a remote and undisclosed location in Somalia.
The footage, lasting just under three minutes, was released by individuals believed to be affiliated with the Al Shabaab militant group, which has a long history of kidnappings and cross-border attacks in the East African region.
In the video, Mr. Lee appears visibly distressed as he issues an emotional appeal to the South Korean government. Ms. Cheon remains silent throughout, appearing shaken and frightened.
“The long days have been filled with fear and uncertainty,” Mr. Lee says in the video. “We are in a dangerous situation—vulnerable and scared. We are innocent individuals caught up in a conflict that is not our own.”
He further urges the South Korean authorities not to delay action any longer, imploring them to intervene decisively to secure their safe release.
“Please do not abandon us,” Mr. Lee pleads. “Act swiftly and do everything possible to bring us home. We are deeply concerned for our safety and well-being.”
The release of the video has renewed pressure on both the South Korean government and regional security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at locating and rescuing the hostages.
It remains unclear under what conditions the captives are being held or whether any demands have been issued by the abductors.
Kenyan security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that investigations have continued since the kidnapping, with collaborative efforts involving regional intelligence and counterterrorism units.
However, they admitted that the porous and volatile Kenya-Somalia border has posed significant challenges to rescue efforts.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a formal statement in response to the video, but diplomatic sources indicate that consultations with Kenyan and Somali authorities are ongoing.
This incident marks another grim reminder of the growing threat posed by Al Shabaab, which continues to target civilians, humanitarian workers, and foreign nationals in the region.
The group has previously carried out similar kidnappings in Kenya, often using hostages as bargaining chips in their ideological and political campaigns.
As the international community awaits a resolution, humanitarian groups and civil society organizations have joined the call for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Lee and Ms. Cheon, emphasizing their role as peace-driven individuals dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities.
Their fate now lies in the hands of diplomatic negotiations and regional security coordination as efforts continue to secure their freedom.
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