China’s popular influencer, known as ‘Orange Sister’ (real name: Qing Zhi Jie Jie), has gone missing in Cambodia after traveling there to meet her boyfriend who runs a restaurant. Despite having booked a return flight to China for the 13th, all communication ceased abruptly on the 12th, raising serious concerns about her safety.
Since the recent uptick in abduction and confinement incidents in Cambodia, suspicions regarding possible criminal involvement are escalating. Reports indicate that Qing Zhi Jie Jie, who boasts 110,000 followers on social media, announced her trip to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, via her social media platforms between the 5th and 11th of this month.
Her last known communication revealed her excitement about the trip, where she indicated she would return shortly. However, from the 12th onward, she has been unreachable, with her phone turned off and no evidence of entry back into China confirmed by local authorities. Notably, the IP address from which she was last active was traced back to Cambodia.
Adding to the mystery, her boyfriend, who claims to operate a local restaurant, is also uncontactable, prompting internet users to question the legitimacy of his claims given that Sihanoukville is known as a hotspot for online fraud schemes. The city gained notoriety when a South Korean student was found dead there in August 2023, which has amplified fears surrounding the current situation.
Qing Zhi Jie Jie’s family has promptly reported her missing to law enforcement and is seeking urgent assistance from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia. They assert that her mental state was stable prior to the trip and deny any possibility of her going missing voluntarily.
In light of ongoing cases of employment fraud and illegal confinement affecting citizens in Cambodia, the South Korean Ministry of Justice has implemented safety measures at Incheon International Airport. These include visual warnings about potential risks when boarding flights to Cambodia. Citizens departing for Cambodia now encounter advisories on automated exit systems and through printed leaflets distributed by immigration officers.
Currently, travel warnings advise against visiting certain regions such as Bokor Mountain, Bavet City, and Poipet, while a ‘recommended exit’ status is in place for Sihanoukville. Other areas also carry varying levels of travel alerts due to ongoing safety concerns.
The situation surrounding the disappearance of Qing Zhi Jie Jie highlights a growing need for awareness about the dangers of traveling to high-risk areas, echoing prior incidents and the importance of vigilance among travelers, especially in regions noted for crime and scams.
