Student Released By North Korea After Arrest

North Korea has released a New York University student who was arrested for allegedly illegally crossing the Chinese border into the reclusive country, according to South Korean officials.

Won Moon Joo, 21, was repatriated at the border village of Panmunjom on Monday nearly six months after his arrest.

Mr Joo, who has permanent resident status in the US, was presented to the media in Pyongyang last month, when he said he had been unable to contact his family but was health in good health .

During the 30-minute appearance, he read a prepared speech praising the country, its government and people.

He said: "I fully acknowledge that I broke the law by illegally entering the DPRK and I sincerely apologise, but I hope to be treated generously by the DPRK government."

North Korea often uses detainees to try to secure political concessions and aid from its neighbour and the US.

Foreign detainees have said they were coached closely on what to say when making the public statements.

The business studies student was one of four South Koreans known to be held in the North.

The other three are accused of serious espionage charges or attempting to establish underground Christian churches.

It comes after speculation that Pyongyang may not go ahead with a threat to launch satellites on board long-range rockets to mark the 70th birthday of the country's ruling party.

The US and South Korea have accused North Korea of launching disguised tests of its long-range missile technology, which is banned by the United Nations.

Recent satellite imagery has showed no signs of preparations at the country's main launch site.

South Korea's Unification Ministry said the decision to release Mr Joo was "fortunate".