North Korea releases NYU junior
So we asked his schoolmates what they think
Stern junior Won-moon Joo has been freed from North Korea after being held prisoner for six months.
The 21-year-old illegally crossed from the Chinese border to “inspire dialogue” between North and South Korea.
The dictatorship’s authorities detained the would-be diplomat before releasing him earlier today.
Won-moon told North Korean state media: “I would like to tell my family I’m healthy, I hope to be home soon and to tell them not to worry too much.”
In a speech praising the communist country, he didn’t explain why he made the dangerous journey into a country whose regime is notably hostile to Americans and South Koreans.
As Won-moon returns from North Korea, we asked his fellow Sternies what they thought about the whole debacle.
Payton thought it took courage for Won-moon to do what he did.
Some people like Payton, a 19-year-old sophomore, compared Won-moon to Dennis Rodman.
Payton said: “It was kind of irrational.
“It needs power of the state in order to solve the problem, but I appreciate his courage.”
Ke thinks the whole idea was stupid.
Ke, an 18-year-old sophomore, was rather cynical about the situation.
He said: “The whole thing was stupid. He did it for the attention.”
Jason, left, told us Won-moon would be remembered
South Korean Jason, also 18 and also a freshman, said: “It was stupid.
“But he will be remembered, for sure.”
He believes this was a major story for a while, but the publicity’s died down.
NYU spokesman John Beckman said: “He and his family have been in our thoughts.
“We’re relieved to learn of his release and glad for this good outcome.”