List of foreign nationals detained in North Korea explained

This is a list of 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	^[1]
				Espionage, was arrested while studying in Pyongyang. After negotiations through the Swedish embassy in North Korea, he was released.	^[2] ^[3]

Detained South Korean citizens

Name	Detained	Released	Days in detention	Reason for detention
				"Preaching defection". Detained after conversing with a North Korean tour guide.	^[4] ^[5]
(alternative spelling:)^[6]				Unknown, possibly connected with Christian missionary work. Alleged activities as a "South Korean National Intelligence Service agent".	^[7] ^[8]

Notes and References

1. News: Australian missionary deported from North Korea describes 13-day detention. 30 April 2016. The Guardian. 5 March 2014.
2. News: Alek Sigley: Australian student released from North Korea. 4 July 2019. The Guardian. 4 July 2019.
3. News: Alek Sigley: North Korea accuses Australian of 'spying'. BBC. 6 July 2019.
4. Web site: Korean tourist released by North. 25 June 1999. BBC News.
5. News: Mt. Kumgang tour must not be used for anti-north purpose . . 25 June 1999. KCNA Watch.
6. Web site: South Korean missionary sentenced to life of hard labour by North Korea. Associated Press. 31 May 2014. the Guardian. 10 May 2018.
7. News: North Korea "irresponsive" on six South Koreans detained in DPRK, says MOU. NK News. Tia. Han . 8 March 2018.
8. Web site: 2020-01-20. KIM JONG UK. 2020-06-19. Church in Chains.