Freed Journo Ling Shops Book With Sister

Laura Ling and Euna Lee describe their capture ordeal

(NEWSER) - The two American journalists detained for months in North Korea were on Chinese soil when they were seized by border guards, they write in Current.com. Laura Ling and Euna Lee say they were reporting on the human trafficking of North Korean refugees in China when their guide briefly brought them across a frozen river onto North Korean soil. They turned back across the ice and returned to the Chinese side, but were pursued by armed guards who hauled them back over the river. More»

Ling, Lee thank supporters in online video

(NEWSER) - Laura Ling and Euna Lee use a new video on Current TV's website to thank Americans “from the bottom of our hearts” for support during their North Korean captivity. “We learned about this grassroots movement on Facebook, about people writing in to their congressmen, to the president,” says Ling. They also learned of candelight vigils around the time of their trial. “We thought about those lights and they gave us hope.” More»

(NEWSER) - Journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling did in fact cross into North Korea while reporting from the border, Ling's sister tells CNN. "She did say that they touched North Korean territory very, very briefly," she says. "She said it was maybe 30 seconds. And then, you know, everything just sort of got chaotic." Lisa Ling says her sister plans to share her "very powerful story" soon. More»

(NEWSER) - Today's warm embrace between Bill Clinton and Al Gore was just like old times, writes Adam Nagourney in the New York Times. The two have largely been on the outs since 2000, but they shared a "long and emotional hug" after Clinton's North Korean trip. While they've had spotty contact in recent years, Clinton readily agreed to the mission when Gore called 10 days ago. And Gore was there leading the applause upon Clinton's return. More»

Longtime pal donated use of jet, plus $200K for fuel, other costs

(NEWSER) - Wealthy Hollywood insider, Democratic donor, and Clinton family friend Steve Bing is footing the bill for the trip to North Korea that brought back two jailed American journalists, ABC News reports. Bill Clinton flew on Bing’s private jet, and the mogul will pony up about $200,000 for fuel, communications, and incidentals. The jet stopped at three US military bases along the way, and they will be sending bills. More»