The United States has urged North Korea to release an 85-year-old U.S. citizen.
Merrill Newman was taken off a plane in Pyongyang on October 26 after a 10-day visit.
On November 30, North Korean official media claimed Newman, who fought in the Korean War, had apologized for alleged crimes during the conflict.
U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden says that given Newman's age and health -- he's on heart medication -- North Korea should release him so he can be reunited with his family.
North Korea has detained at least six Americans since 2009, including two journalists accused of trespassing and others, some of whom are of Korean ancestry, accused of spreading Christianity.
Merrill Newman was taken off a plane in Pyongyang on October 26 after a 10-day visit.
On November 30, North Korean official media claimed Newman, who fought in the Korean War, had apologized for alleged crimes during the conflict.
U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden says that given Newman's age and health -- he's on heart medication -- North Korea should release him so he can be reunited with his family.
North Korea has detained at least six Americans since 2009, including two journalists accused of trespassing and others, some of whom are of Korean ancestry, accused of spreading Christianity.
