Days after North Korea (DPRK) conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test to date, more than 50 South Koreans in Cambodia took to the streets yesterday calling on Cambodia to “take stronger actions” against the country that has long been a friend of the Kingdom.

“We want North Korea to stop their hostile, stupid activities,” said one attendee who would identify himself only as Chei, a member of the event’s organiser, the Korean Association in Cambodia.

“Thank you, Cambodian government, for cooperating with UN. But please, Cambodian government, please take stronger actions,” he added, calling for a “peaceful solution” to the authoritarian regime’s burgeoning nuclear ambitions.

The rally came a day after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFA-IC) released a statement expressing its “grave concern” over the nuclear test, which took place on September 9.

“The MFA-IC . . . reiterates its full support for the denuclearisation of this region,” it reads. “[The ministry] strongly urges DPRK to comply with all relevant UNSC Resolutions”.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Chum Sounry declined to comment on the protest.