Detained NYU student deported from DPRK

PYONGYANG -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has released and deported a South Korean American student Monday through the truce village of Panmunjom, the country's official news agency KCNA reported Monday.

The 21-year-old student, Joo Won-moon, is a South Korean citizen who is studying at New York University and has permanent residency in the United States.

Joo was caught trying to enter the DPRK by crossing the Amnok River from China's Dandong, a border city between China and the DPRK and has been held by the DPRK authorities since April 22.

The state media called his illegal entry a serious violation of the DPRK law.

On Sept 25, Pyongyang held a press briefing for Joo, at which he admitted to his crime and claimed he was simply driven by curiosity to try to see and experience a real DPRK for himself because he had been exposed to only negative reports about the socialist country during his time in the United States.

He said he was treated well in the DPRK and authorities gave him opportunity to experience local life by showing him around major scenic spots and facilities including the Grand People's Study House, Moon-su water park, Pyongyang orphanage, Okryu children's hospital.

Joo said he planned to reunite with his family and resume his studies at New York University after returning home.