Seoul expects North Korea to release 3 US detainees

By Jung Min-ho

North Korea is expected to release three U.S. detainees as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits Wednesday, a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters Wednesday.

"We expect him to bring the date, time and the captives," the official said. "The U.S. National Security Council has informed us of Pompeo's visit to North Korea before his departure."

Pompeo arrived in Pyongyang to discuss preparations for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Pompeo said the North's release of the three U.S. citizens would be a "great gesture," noting the United States has been asking for their freedom for 17 months.