Korean American could face death in N. Korea

Kenneth Bae, the Korean American now in captivity in North Korea, could face the death penalty, A wire service in Japan said Sunday, citing reliable sources.

The report said the North Korean authorities are on the verge of indicting Bae, whose Korean name is Bae Joon-ho, although it is unclear what the charges will be.

North Korean observers said these development indicates that North Korea is taking steps to force the United States to the negotiating table.

It is also believed that Pyongyang is hoping to use Bae as a card to dissuade Washington from taking tough action against North Korea’s launching of a long-range missile in December.

The sources said North Korean securities officials are accusing Bae of criticizing the Kim Jong-un regime and engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the North Korean government.

The North Korean Central Korean News Agency had reported that Bae made his way into North Korea through China and was placed under arrest for engaging in criminal activities. It was not clear what the criminal activities were.