Kenneth Bae - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kenneth Bae (born Pae Jun Ho; 1968)[2][3][4][5][6][7] is an American citizen convicted by North Korea on charges of planning to overthrow the North Korean government, including setting up bases in China for the purpose of toppling the North Korean government. In April 2013, he was sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment.[8][9] Bae is the longest-serving United States prisoner of North Korea since the end of the Korean War.[10]

Early life and education[edit]

Bae was born in South Korea in 1968. Bae moved to the United States at age 16 in 1986.[11] Other news articles describe Bae as moving to the United States with his family in 1985.[12][13][14][15][16] Bae (as Jun Ho Bae)[17] graduated from West High School in Torrance, California in 1988.[18]

Bae studied psychology at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon, before dropping out after two years.[19][20][21]

Bae had lived in Lynnwood, Washington in Snohomish County.[22][23][24] In 2005, Bae moved to China with his wife and their three children. He created a tourism company called "Nations Tour" for North Korean special economic zone visits that were secretly Christian missionary trips.[25][20][26]

Arrest and prosecution[edit]

On November 3, 2012,[27] Bae was traveling with five European tourists in Rajin-guyŏk, Rason, North Korea when officials discovered that he was carrying a computer hard disk that contained pictures of starving North Korean orphans.[28]

North Korea claims Bae was prosecuted for several reasons:[29][30][31][32]

• Planning an anti-North Korean religious coup d'état called "the Jericho operation".
• Admitting to setting up bases in China for the purpose of toppling the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
• Encouraging North Korean citizens to bring down the government.
• Conducting a "malignant" smear campaign.

In December 2012, human rights activists in Seoul reported that an American had been held in North Korea for a month.[27] On December 21, 2012, North Korea announced that it had charged an American identified as Bae Jun-ho with "hostile acts against the republic".[20][33] Between January 7 and January 10, former UN ambassadorBill Richardson was unable to meet Bae, and delivered a letter from Bae's son to North Korean authorities.[34]

On April 30, 2013, North Korea's Supreme Court sentenced Bae to 15 years of hard labor.[35][36]

Prison life[edit]

On May 14, 2013, he was moved to a "special prison."[37] Bae would do eight hours of farm labor a day, which he had never done before.[29] Bae sent hand-written letters to his family stating that he was going blind and that help was needed.[32] On July 3, 2013, an interview with Bae was released, in which he spoke of health problems including diabetes, high blood pressure, fatty liver and a back problem.[29] When asked if the prison life was bearable, he replied "Yes, people here are very considerate. But my health is not in the best condition, so there are some difficulties. But, everyone here is considerate and generous, and we have doctors here, so I'm getting regular check-ups".[31] A Swedishambassador met with Bae in a hospital in August 2013; his sister reported that he was moved from the camp because of deteriorating health and after losing more than 50 pounds (23 kg).[38][39][40][29] Kenneth's mother, Myunghee Bae, arrived in North Korea on October 11 to visit her son for five days.[41][42] She was allowed three visits, totaling six hours.[43]

Reactions[edit]

United States[edit]

On the day he was sentenced, the United States called for the immediate release of Kenneth Bae on humanitarian grounds.[44] During the 2013 Korean crisis, North Korea stated that the reason why they did not invite US officials to Pyongyang for Bae's release is because he is not a "political bargaining chip".[45][46]

On July 3, 2013, an interview with Bae was released, in which he begged for forgiveness from his captors and for United States help.[31] Despite getting a weekly update from the State Department, Kenneth's family insisted that the United States government wasn't doing a good enough job bringing him back.[32] It was confirmed later in July that Jimmy Carter had no plans to visit North Korea and release Bae.[47]

On August 13, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf stated that the United States was "willing to consider a number of different options to secure his release".[48] On August 27, the United States announced that its North Korean human rights envoy, Robert R. King, would travel to Pyongyang and ask for the government to pardon Bae,[49] but three days later North Korea rescinded its invitation.[50] The reason given for the cancellation was that the United States used nuclear-capable bombers in military drills with South Korea.[51]

On November 30, the United States called for the release of Bae and Merrill Newman, an American citizen also being detained who confessed to "indelible crimes" during his service in the Korean War. National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said "We continue to urge the DPRK authorities to grant [Bae] amnesty and immediate release".[52] American officials talk to relatives of both detainees. On December 7, Newman was released; Marie Harf stated "We welcome the DPRK's decision to release [Newman]. This positive decision by the DPRK throws into sharper relief the continuing detention of Bae. We call on the DPRK once again to pardon and grant Mr. Bae special amnesty and immediately release him as a humanitarian gesture so that he too can return home to his family."[53]

On May 7, after reading an article from The Seattle Times,[54] former professional basketball player Dennis Rodman sent out a tweet asking his friend Kim Jong-un to do him "a solid" and release Bae.[55][56]

On May 10, Rodman promised that he would go to North Korea on August 1 to rescue Bae. Rodman criticized United States President Barack Obama, saying, "We got a black president [who] can't even go talk to [Jong-un] ... Obama can't do shit, I don't know why he won't go talk to him."[57][58] Rodman did not go to North Korea in August,[57] but did go in September 2013. While in Beijing, Rodman said he was visiting North Korea again to create a basketball league there and to fix American-North Korean relations. Rodman said that he would no longer be talking about Bae's release,[51][59] stating that "I'm not going to talk about that."[60] Rodman returned to China without Bae[61] and lost his temper when questions about the prisoner were asked; Rodman said “Guess what? That’s not my job to ask about Kenneth Bae, ask Obama about that. Ask Hillary Clinton".[62][63]

In January 2014, Dennis was asked if he'd raise the issue of Kenneth Bae. He became agitated and said "Kenneth Bae did one thing ... If you understand what Kenneth Bae did. Do you understand what he did in this country? No, no, no, you tell me, you tell me. Why is he held captive here in this country, why? ... I would love to speak on this."[64][65]

References[edit]

1. ^"朝鮮起訴一名美國人 韓媒稱朝欲施壓美國謀求對話". Sina.com. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013. 
2. ^http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Security-Watch/terrorism-security/2013/0510/North-Korea-explains-why-it-sentenced-American-Kenneth-Bae-to-hard-labor
3. ^http://www.cnn.com/2013/05/02/world/asia/north-korea-american-sentenced/
4. ^http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57560399/north-korea-american-citizen-detained-for-crime/
5. ^http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/12/north-korea-detained-american-citizen--83339.html
6. ^http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20808344
7. ^http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24486638
8. ^"North Korea to put American tour operator Kenneth Bae on trial for 'trying to overthrow the government'". The Independent. Retrieved 2013-04-27. 
9. ^"North Korea to issue verdict on US citizen". BBC News. Retrieved 2013-04-27. 
10. ^"Christian Missionary Kenneth Bae Is Longest Serving US Detainee in North Korea Since End of Korean War". Christian Post. November 5, 2013. Retrieved November 12, 2013. 
11. ^http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20130825/former-torrance-resident-kenneth-bae-imprisoned-in-north-korea
12. ^http://bigstory.ap.org/article/family-us-man-detained-n-korea-hospitalized
13. ^http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/10/10/kenneth-bae-mother-visit-north-korea/2963633/
14. ^http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenneth-bae-moved-from-north-korea-prison-camp-to-hospital-after-losing-50-lbs-sister-says/
15. ^http://news.sky.com/story/1153292/north-korea-kenneth-baes-mother-visits-son
16. ^http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Baes-cheer-release-of-other-detained-American-234898081.html
17. ^http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20130825/former-torrance-resident-kenneth-bae-imprisoned-in-north-korea
18. ^http://www.dailybreeze.com/general-news/20130825/former-torrance-resident-kenneth-bae-imprisoned-in-north-korea
19. ^"U.S. seeks North Korean amnesty for American jailed for 15 years". Chicago Tribune. May 02, 2013. 
20. ^ abcAlexander Abad-Santos (May 2, 2013). "How Ken Bae Went from North Korean Tour Operator to North Korean Prisoner". The Atlantic Wire. Retrieved August 12, 2013. 
21. ^http://www.katu.com/news/national/Mother-of-ex-University-of-Oregon-student-detained-in-N-Korea-ends-trip-227822891.html
22. ^http://bigstory.ap.org/article/video-shows-us-mans-life-nkorean-prison
23. ^https://www.nbcnews.com/id/53704142/ns/local_news-seattle_wa/#.UqQcPaWredA
24. ^http://www.kgw.com/news/White-House-renews-urge-for-N-Korea-to-release-Kenneth-Bae-233944681.html
25. ^"Kenneth Bae moved from North Korea prison camp to hospital after losing 50 lbs, sister says". CBS. August 12, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013. 
26. ^Nicola Menzie (August 12, 2013). "Christian Missionary Kenneth Bae Moved to Hospital in North Korea, Health May Be Failing". The Christian Post. Retrieved August 13, 2013. 
27. ^ ab"American Citizen Is Said to Be Held in North Korea". December 13, 2013. Retrieved August 12, 2013. 
28. ^Nicola Menzie (April 27, 2013). "US Citizen Kenneth Bae to Be Charged for Trying to Overthrow North Korea". The Christian Post. Retrieved August 13, 2013. 
29. ^ abcdPaula Hancocks; Jethro Mullen (August 12, 2013). "Kenneth Bae, American imprisoned in North Korea, moved to hospital". Retrieved August 12, 2013. 
30. ^"North Korea to put US citizen on trial". Al Jazeera. 27 Apr 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2013. 
31. ^ abcMadison Park (July 3, 2013). "Bae from North Korean prison: Please help me". Retrieved July 5, 2013. 
32. ^ abc"Family of American held in N. Korea: U.S. not doing enough". CBS. July 25, 2013. Retrieved July 25, 2013. 
33. ^Choe Sang-Hun (December 21, 2012). "North Korea Says It Detained American Over ‘Hostile Acts’". The New York Times. Retrieved August 12, 2013. 
34. ^Ayesha Rascoe (January 11, 2013). Doina Chiacu, ed. "Richardson delivered letter for detained American in North Korea". Reuters. Retrieved August 12, 2013. 
35. ^"UO alum Kenneth Bae sentenced to 15 years hard labor in North Korea". dailyemerald.com. Retrieved 2 May 2013. 
36. ^"Kenneth Bae Sentenced: American Sentenced To 15 Years Hard Labor For Crimes Against North Korea". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2 May 2013. 
37. ^Jethro Mullen (2013-05-15). "North Korea says jailed American is now in 'special prison'". Retrieved 2013-05-15. 
38. ^"American jailed in North Korea hospitalized, sister says". Yahoo News. Retrieved 11 August 2013. 
39. ^"Full coverage: Kim Jong-un and North Korea tension". Yahoo News. Retrieved 12 August 2013. 
40. ^Paula Hancocks; Jethro Mullen (August 12, 2013). "Kenneth Bae, American imprisoned in North Korea, moved to hospital". Retrieved August 12, 2013. 
41. ^Madison Park (October 10, 2013). "Kenneth Bae's mother visits North Korea to see imprisoned son". CNN. Retrieved October 11, 2013. 
42. ^"Mother of jailed U.S. missionary in North Korea to see son". Reuters. October 11, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013. 
43. ^Hancocks, Paula. "Kenneth Bae's mother tells of heartbreak after seeing, leaving imprisoned son". CNN. Retrieved 21 October 2013. 
44. ^"U.S. calls on North Korea to release detained U.S. citizen". Reuters. April 29, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013. 
45. ^Choe Sang-Hun (2013-05-05). "North Korea Says Jailed American Won’t Be Used as ‘Bargaining Chip’". Retrieved 2013-05-05. 
46. ^"N. Korea says won't invite U.S. figures over jailed Korean-American". Yonhap News Agency. May 5, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013. 
47. ^"Aide to former U.S. President Carter denies he plans North Korea visit". Reuters. July 29, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2013. 
48. ^Matthew Pennington (August 13, 2013). "US signals willingness to engage NKorea on detained American". canada.com. Retrieved August 14, 2013. 
49. ^Paul Eckert; Eric M. Johnson (August 28, 2013). "U.S. envoy to visit North Korea over jailed American". Reuters. Retrieved August 28, 2013. 
50. ^Choe Sang-Hun (August 30, 2013). "North Korea Rescinds Permission for U.S. Envoy Visit". New York Times. Retrieved August 30, 2013. 
51. ^ ab"Dennis Rodman makes return visit to North Korea". Fox News. September 3, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013. 
52. ^"US urges North Korea to release detainee Merrill Newman". BBC. November 30, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2013. 
53. ^Greg Botelho (December 7, 2013). "U.S.: American Merrill Newman 'in hand' after he's 'deported' from North Korea". CNN. Retrieved December 7, 2013. 
54. ^Rodman, Dennis (May 7, 2013). "In direct response to your article headline, "Ok." Read your story @uscthanhtan, and I decided to help. http://ow.ly/kNvp3". Twitter. Retrieved May 8, 2013. 
55. ^Uri Friedman (2013-05-07). "Dennis Rodman calls on Kim Jong Un to do him 'a solid' and release American detainee". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 2013-05-07. 
56. ^Rodman, Dennis (May 7, 2013). "I'm calling on the Supreme Leader of North Korea or as I call him "Kim", to do me a solid and cut Kenneth Bae loose.". Twitter. Retrieved May 8, 2013. 
57. ^ abRosie Gray (August 6, 2013). "What Happened To Dennis Rodman’s North Korean Rescue Mission?". Retrieved August 13, 2013. 
58. ^"Rodman RIPS Obama Over North Korea -- 'He Can't Do S**t'". TMZ. May 10, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2013. 
59. ^"Rodman returns to Pyongyang but says won't bring back jailed American". Reuters. September 3, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2013. 
60. ^"Dennis Rodman makes second North Korea trip". BBC.com. 3 September 2013. 
61. ^Lateef Mungin (September 7, 2013). "Dennis Rodman arrives in China after North Korea visit". CNN. Retrieved September 7, 2013. 
62. ^"Dennis Rodman visits North Korea AGAIN after claims Kim Jong Un executed his ex-girlfriend... but have his censors airbrushed an interpreter out of photos to make their beloved leader look better?". Dailymail. September 6, 2013. Retrieved September 7, 2013. 
63. ^Gerry Mullany (September 7, 2013). "Rodman, Leaving North Korea, Says Prisoner Issue ‘Not My Job’". The New York Times. Retrieved September 9, 2013. 
64. ^Calum MacLeod (January 7, 2014). "Dennis Rodman gets angry in Pyongyang". USA Today. Retrieved January 7, 2014. 
65. ^Laura Smith-Spark; Jethro Mullen (January 7, 2014). "Angry Dennis Rodman defends North Korea basketball game". CNN. Retrieved January 7, 2014.