BBC correspondent expelled from N. Korea over 'disrespectful' report

BBC correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, left, interviews a North Korean at an amusement park in Pyongyang. / Screen captured from YouTube

By Park Si-soo

BBC correspondent Rupert Wingfield-Hayes has been detained and expelled from North Korea for a report “deemed disrespectful” to leader Kim Jong-un, according to the BBC Monday.

The journalist, who was in Pyongyang to cover the much-hyped Workers’ Party congress, was questioned for eight hours and made to sign a statement, according to the British broadcaster.

He was deported along with his producer Maria Byrne and cameraman Matthew Goddard. Their minders took them to the airport, the report said.

The BBC's Stephen Evans, who is still in Pyongyang, said the North Korean leadership was displeased with their reports, which had highlighted aspects of life in the capital.

According to the Associated Press, O Ryong-il, secretary-general of the North's National Peace Committee, said Hayes distorted facts and spoke ill of the system and the leadership of the country. He said Hayes was released after writing an apology and would never be allowed to visit the country again after his expulsion on Monday.

The BBC has not revealed further details.