North Korea has made the decision to release Robert Park, a U.S. missionary who entered North Korea without permission on Dec. 25 of last year, according to North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA announced the decision on Feb. 5, which falls 42 days after Park entered North Korea.

KCNA stated in a report, “Relevant authorities have investigated U.S. citizen Robert Park, who crossed the border without permission.” KCNA added, “The related authorities have decided to release him because he has recognized and expressed regret over his behavior.” However, the KCNA report did not indicate how and when he would be released.

Additionally, KCNA also reported that Robert Park held a press conference of his own accord. According to KCNA, Park said, “I realized that freedom of religion has been guaranteed in North Korea when I attended a service at Bongsu Church located in Pyongyang.” Park added, “Most people have respected my human rights.” Park continued, “I have seriously reflected upon my own understanding of North Korea, which was influenced by the false propaganda of Western society.”

This can be interpreted to mean that North Korea is attempting to appease criticism it is receiving concerning its religious and human rights situation by releasing Park.

In comparison to the case involving two U.S. journalists, the decision for his release was made fairly quickly. During the previous situation, the two journalists were released 140 days after former U.S. president Bill Clinton visited the country to negotiate their release.

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