US Student Held by North Korea Released in Coma

The University of Virginia student Otto Warmbier, released from North Korea after 17 months of captivity, has been in a coma, according to the report by The Washington Post.

According to the press, Warmbier’s parents were informed by North Korean officials that Warmbier came down with food poisoning after the trial in March, then fell into a coma after being given a sleeping pill.

Warmbier’s serious condition seems to have further worsened the U.S. – North Korea relationship. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, condemned North Korea for its “abhorrent behavior,” commenting that Warmbier’s detainment was “unnecessary and appalling.”

Warmbier’s release came shortly after Dennis Rodman’s arrival to North Korea. Former NBA player Rodman, who “befriended” with Kim Jong Un, is visiting North Korea for the fifth time, with current visit being the first in Trump’s presidency. To the question asking the purpose of his visit, Rodman answered that it is “to open a door.”

“I’m pretty sure he’s happy at the fact I’m over here trying to accomplish something we both need,” replied Rodman to the question asking if Trump knew about the trip. He said it is not his purpose to mention the four imprisoned U.S. citizens in North Korea, but added, “I will discuss my mission upon my return to the U.S.A.”

Rodman was accompanied by geneticist Joe Terwilliger for the trip. He was wearing a T-shirt with “PotCoin.com” written, which is the company that sponsored Rodman’s trip to North Korea.

Original article by Chae Byung-gun
Translated by Heewon Kim