North Korea (MNN) — A U.S. Christian is now free after being held in North Korea for six months.
Sixty-year-old Jun Young-Su, a naturalized citizen of the United States, lives in Orange County, California. He was reportedly facing charges of proselytizing in the communist nation, which is illegal.
Young-Su, also known as Eddie, was released on "humanitarian grounds" according to the official Korean Central News Agency.
Visiting U.S. delegates had called for Jun's immediate release. However, that all came to an end when U.S. envoy for North Korean human rights, Robert King–who was touring North Korea—escorted Jun out of the country.
Other high-profile names to add their weight to calls for Jun's release were former U.S. President Carter, and the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham.
The news of Jun's release has been greeted by an overwhelming sense of relief and joy. However, calls continue for the end of religious persecution in North Korea.
North Korea is on top of Open Doors World Watch list of nations who persecute Christians. With their zero tolerance for religious activity, even owning a Bible is a criminal offense. Pray for the oppressed underground church in North Korea.
