Laura Ling and Euna Lee Pardoned. Thanks, Bill!

Melissa Hung
August 4, 2009

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Hell yes! Way to turn on the charm, Bill! North Korean media says leader Kim Jong-il has pardoned American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling and ordered their release after a visit from former US prez Bill Clinton. (Looks like Kim relished the chance to have a photo opp or two as KCNA, the official North Korean state media, also released various photos of Kim with a somber-looking Clinton.)

Mr. Kim granted "a special pardon," KCNA says. It's not clear when exactly Lee and Ling will be leaving, or if they're already on their way. We are so relieved to hear the news and can't wait to see them safely back in the States.

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News and Politics
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Melissa Hung

Founding Editor

Melissa Hung is the founding editor of Hyphen. She was the editor in chief for the magazine's first five years and went on to serve in many other leadership roles on the staff and board for more than a decade. She is a writer and freelance journalist. Her essays and reported stories have appeared in NPR, Vogue, Pacific Standard, Longreads, and Catapult, among others. She grew up in Texas, the eldest child of immigrants. Find her on Twitter and Instagram.

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Comments

Comments

Mic wrote on Wed, 08/05/2009 - 9:42am
Duude i totally signed that petition. You're totally welcome, Laura and Euna. I guess Bill helped. I swear that guy could talk the pants off an Eskimo.