Kenneth Bae, an American citizen who had been hosting tourist groups at North Korea, has been detained in North Korea for almost two years. His family received news on Thursday that he will be returned to a labor camp despite his failing health.
Bae has been struggling with multiple health conditions, including diabetes, spinal injury, and problems in the lungs and liver, according to the Free Kenneth Bae campaign website. He had already been hospitalized twice during the time of his detainment as a result of his health. With these health conditions, his move to the labor camps creates a dire situation for his life.
"We implore President Obama and Secretary Kerry for urgent action to secure Kenneth's freedom. With Kenneth's health continuing to deteriorate, we cannot afford to wait any longer. Please do whatever it takes to bring Kenneth home. It is long past time. This is our desperate plea," wrote Terri Chung, Bae's sister.
Bae started a tour company in 2006 and specialized the tours for North Korea because "his heart was to be a personal touch-point of compassionate humanity to the North Korean people," said the website. "Kenneth saw an opportunity that combined his entrepreneurial spirit with his personal convictions as a Christian. He believed in showing compassion to the North Korean people by contributing to their economy in the form of tourism."
North Korean officials arrested Bae in November 2012 during one of his regular tour trips, accusing him of organizing hostile plans against the government through religious activities. The government sentenced him to 15 years of imprisonment and labor.
Although almost two years have passed since his arrest, "there is no sign of this issue being solved," according to Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korean newspaper based in Japan.
Meanwhile, Bae's family and supporters are desperately campaigning for his release. Chung put her job as an English instructor at North Seattle Community College on hold as she is committing full-time to advocate for Bae's release. She has been leading letter-writing campaigns, meeting with U.S. government officials, and campaigning online by creating a website and using social media. Their social media campaigns include using #bringBaeback, and a Facebook event held in honor of his birthday, Friday, August 1.
"Kenneth will celebrate his 42nd birthday tomorrow, once again locked up and apart from friends and family. We ask people to pray for Kenneth at 7 P.M. PST, August 1, and join us to ask for mercy for his safe return," wrote Chung.
"Kenneth is the guy who always does the right thing, no matter the cost," the website described. "He is the guy who follows his personal convictions, even to the ends of the world."
