N. Korea Reportedly Will Free American

Source: The New York Times

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea will release an American detained since last November, news agencies reported on Friday, citing the North’s state news service.

The Associated Press, quoting the North Korean report, said Eddie Yong-su Jun would be freed because a visiting American official had expressed regret over the incident. It has been reported that Mr. Jun entered North Korea on a valid business visa last November, but was detained for inappropriate or illegal religious activity.

Spokesmen for the American embassies in Seoul and Beijing could not independently confirm the reports.

Robert R. King, the American special envoy for North Korean human rights issues, was visiting the reclusive country this week. Mr. King is leading an American delegation trying to verify food supply surveys by international charities. Mr. King is scheduled to leave Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, on Saturday, said Richard Buangan, spokesman for the American Embassy in Beijing.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/28/world/asia/28korea.html