Brownback awarded medal for efforts for NK rights record

Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) was Wednesday awarded a medal by the South Korean government for his efforts to improve human rights record in North Korea and enhance U.S. ties with South Korea.

Ambassador Han Duck-soo conferred the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit Gwanghwa Medal to the three-term senator, who was elected as governor of Kansas in the midterm elections early this month, at the ambassador's residence, Yonhap News Agency said.

Brownback is credited with writing legislation on North Korea such as the North Korean Freedom Act and North Korean Refugee Adoption Act, and also co-sponsoring the resolutions on the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. and the 50th anniversary of the U.S. alliance with South Korea.