LOC09:52
06:52 GMT
TOKYO, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- South Korea urged North Korea on Wednesday to set free a South Korean Baptist missionary, following Pyongyang's release of an American man, the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency reported.
Kim Jung-wook, 50, was arrested by the North's authorities in October last year while traveling there. He was sentenced by North Korea to hard labor for life on charges of spying and setting up underground churches.
"Our government once again calls on (North Korea) to free the missionary and repatriate him," Unification Ministry spokesman Lim Byeong-cheol was quoted as saying at a press briefing. Lim was asked about Seoul's position on the issue of Kim as the North unexpectedly released Jeffrey Fowle, one of three Americans held there.
"Our government will make constant efforts, in cooperation with the international community, so that he will return to the arms of his family," said Lim. Meanwhile, the White House and the State Department announced the release of the 56-year-old Fowle. The North is still detaining two other Americans.
Glyn Davies, the top US nuclear envoy, called on North Korea to release the three detained Americans during his visit to Seoul last month, saying that the issue poses a "serious impediment" to better ties with Washington. The six-party talks involving the two Koreas, the US, China, Japan and Russia have been stalled since late 2008 when the North walked away from the negotiation table. (end)
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