On August 9, the Korean Central News Agency (of North Korea) announced that Rev. Lim Hyeon-soo (photo), a Korean Canadian, has been released on humanitarian grounds. Lim was detained in North Korea in January 2015 on his way to Pyongyang from Rason in North Hamgyeong-do, and had been serving a life sentence with hard labor since December the same year.
Before his detention, Lim had visited North Korea numerous times in relation to various humanitarian support efforts for the North. Last month, Lim reportedly met with the Swedish acting ambassador to North Korea and appealed for assistance due to his worsening health conditions. In response, on August 8 the Canadian government dispatched envoy Daniel Jean, a national security advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Lim’s release was negotiated.
Reporter Jo Seong-eun (jse130801@kmib.co.kr), with Yeara Ahn-Park (yap@kmib.co.kr)
Photo from Kukmin Daily DB
Full Story in Korean:
北, 임현수 목사 3년 만에 병보석 석방: 2015년 국가전복 혐의 억류, 무기 노동교화형 언도 받아… 극한 대치 속 유화 신호 해석
Related Article in Korean:
31개월 만의 자유… 임현수 목사, 건강 악화로 체중 20㎏ 줄어: 석방되기까지 과정과 북한선교 관계자들 반응
Related Articles:
“Pray for Rev. Lim so that he acts as a light in the land of darkness” (February 23, 2016)
“Please spare two minutes for a pastor who has cared with love for orphans in North Korea” (December 21, 2015)
Rev. Im Hyeon-soo handed life sentence at hard labor: AP, Xinhua (December 17, 2015)
“Rev. Im Hyun-soo’s recent interview in Pyongyang may have been coerced” (August 4, 2015)
“Long-term detainment of Rev. Lim Hyun-soo will not benefit North Korea” (March 10, 2015)
North Korea May Be Detaining Another Korean Pastor… No Contact Since Jan. 31 Entry (March 3, 2015)
Rev. Im Hyeon-soo Released By North Korea After Nearly Three Years’ Detention
2017-08-11 16:51
