Korean Hostages Back Home

They're sorry for 'causing trouble'

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 2, 2007 8:12 AM CDT

(Newser) – Nineteen relieved Christian aid workers returned home to South Korea yesterday after Taliban kidnapers released them from six weeks of captivity. They sank into the grateful arms of family and apologized to the public for "causing trouble." Korean officials had warned the church group not to travel to Afghanistan. The government denies paying ransom for the hostages' release.

But sources indicate that as much as $1 million was exchanged for their freedom. Two men in the group were killed by the kidnappers, and two others were freed earlier. "We owe the country and the people a great debt," said one of the hostages after issuing an apology on behalf of the group.

former hostage Che Chang-hee reunites with his family. (Associated Press)

Freed hostage Kim Yoon-young hugs her family. (Associated Press)

former hostage Lee Sung-eun, left,is embraced by her mother. (Associated Press)

Park Hye-young, right, one of the 19 released South Korean hostages, reunites her mother at a hospital in South Korea. (Associated Press)

Kim Yoon-young, one of the 19 released South Korean hostages, kisses her sonon her arrival at a hospital in Anyang (Associated Press)

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They're sorry for 'causing trouble'

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Afghanistan • Taliban • South Korea • Korean hostages • Chistian Aid

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Taliban: Prince Harry Shouldn't Kill

'Captain Wales' to return to Afghanistan this year; he'll be Taliban target

Afghan Civilian Deaths Hit New High

More than 3K killed, mostly by Taliban

Backed By Pakistan, Taliban Set to Retake Afghanistan

ISI providing direct assistance, says secret NATO report viewed by the BBC

'No Surprise' Marines Urinated on Taliban

War always dehumanizes, but America's torture policies make it worse

Marines in Urination Video ID'd

Hillary Clinton calls incident possible war crime

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