Washington (May 9, 2018) –Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), the top Democrat on the East Asia Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after President Donald Trump announced that North Korea has released U.S. citizens Tony Kim, also known as Kim Sang-duk, an American teacher detained by North Korea in April 2017; Kim Hak-song, also known as Jin Xue Song, detained in May 2017; and Kim Dong Chul, who was arrested in 2015.

“I welcome the release of American citizens Tony Kim, Kim Hak-Song, and Kim Dong Chul and hope they are quickly reunited with their families,” said Senator Markey. “The long-overdue release of these citizens is a positive step and removes an obstacle to a successful summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un. Their release before the meeting also demonstrates that the combination of pressure and direct engagement is critical for making progress with North Korea.”

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