Newman: 'I'm Tired, but Ready to Be With My Family'

American Merrill Newman safely returns to the US after he was held hostage in North Korea for more than month. Linda So reports.

Published

3 months ago

Categories

US, World

Topics

United States, Asia, International Relations, Military Veterans

People

Merrill Newman

Places

United States of America, North Korea

Transcript

The long-awaited homecoming for Merrill Newman is finally a reality. The 85-year-old Korean War veteran, who was held hostage in North Korea for more than a month, arrived safely back in the U.S. on Saturday. He was greeted by his wife and son at San Francisco International Airport. Newman made a brief statement before heading home with his family. SOUNDBITE: RELEASED HOSTAGE MERRILL NEWMAN, SAYING: "I want to thank the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang, and the American Embassy in Beijing for all their help. It's been a great, great homecoming and I'm tired, but I'm ready to be with my family now and thank you all for the support you got and very much appreciate it." Newman was detained in North Korea in late October at the end of a tourist trip. The North Korean government claiming he had performed hostile acts against the regime during the Korean War. Last week, video was released showing Newman reading a handwritten apology. North Korea says it released the American because he apologized and because of his age and medical condition.