List of foreign nationals detained in North Korea

Foreign nationals who have been detained in North Korea. Excluded from the list are any persons who were detained while on active military duty and held as prisoners of war or military defectors. Also excluded are people abducted in other countries and brought into North Korea.

Detained Australians Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Unauthorized religious activity Espionage, was arrested while studying in Pyongyang. After negotiations through the Swedish embassy in North Korea, he was released.

Detained South Korean citizens Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention "Preaching defection". Detained after conversing with a North Korean tour guide. (alternative spelling: ) Unknown, possibly connected with Christian missionary work. Alleged activities as a "South Korean National Intelligence Service agent". Illegally entering North Korea via China Committing "anti-DPRK espionage activities under the manipulation of the U.S. and puppet South Korea" Alleged kidnapping of orphans

Detained U.S. citizens Name Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Illegally entering North Korea Espionage Committing "an illegal act". Was accused of insulting local officials. Illegally entering North Korea (see 2009 imprisonment of American journalists by North Korea) Illegally entering North Korea ~ "Committing a crime" against North Korea Unauthorized religious activity Issues related to his service in the Korean War Acts hostile to the DPRK while entering under the guise of a tourist. He had travelled to North Korea intending to get arrested. Acting "contrary to the purpose of tourism" by leaving a Bible at a nightclub ~ Illegally entering North Korea Deported for "covertly producing photos and videos to use in the anti-DPRK smear campaign" Miles, no surname given ~ Illegally entering North Korea. Previously sought legal long-term residence. Story initially went unreported, but was later verified and broken by NK News on condition of anonymity. 952 Espionage 529 Committing "hostile acts" against the DPRK by allegedly stealing a propaganda poster from his hotel. Released back in a vegetative state, later succumbing to injuries inflicted from "severe brain damage". (Tony Kim) 384 Committing "hostile criminal acts with an aim to subvert the country" 368 Committing "hostile acts" against the state Illegally entering North Korea via China Crossing the Military Demarcation Line into North Korea while on a civilian tour (Deemed an illegal intrusion/deported)

Other detained foreign citizens NameCountry Detained Released Days in detention Reason for detention Venezuela 27 September 1974~2,555 Communist and translator working in the Foreign Affairs Ministry of North Korea, reportedly for joking about Kim Il-sung at an official feast. In a 1975 interview, Lameda expressed that his detention could have been a result of pressure by the Communist Party of Cuba after the Communist Party of Venezuela decided to accept pacification and abandon arms.Chile~Same background as Ali Lameda, see aboveCanada~"Harming the dignity of the supreme leadership, trying to use religion to destroy the North Korean system"France~2,555Same background as Ali Lameda, see aboveJapan27 August 20180Alleged filming a military facility

List of foreign nationals detained in North Korea

Bron en licentie