Robert Park has been detained in North Korea. Check out the in-depth backstory on the American missionary written by KoreAm senior editor Julie Ha. It will be published in our January issue.
Here is the official statement from the Park family, written by Robert’s brother, Paul Park.
On behalf of the Park family and friends, I thank you for your support, compassion and humanitarian interest for my brother Robert Park.
On the 25th of December in Korea, we received reports claiming my brother Robert Park crossed into Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The last few days have been very difficult and challenging for the family, not knowing Robert’s whereabouts and/or his current state of well-being has been a source of ongoing concern and anxiety. He is a very special member of our family. We miss having his love and compassion in our home.
I don’t know where he’s being held, but if he can receive this message, we want him to know we love him, we miss him and we are waiting anxiously for the opportunity to be reunited with him.
Currently, our focus is on his status and well-being. Our primary concern is his safety and eventual safe return. To this end, we are working with the US Department of State, and our representatives in congress to continue to work with us for the care and well-being of our family.
As time progresses, we will release additional statements.
On behalf of my family, I thank you for respecting our privacy, showing your ongoing concern and your compassion. We look forward to the day we can be reunited as a family.
