Extortion Watch

The “Arrest Galloper” saga continues, thus far without a hint of street demonstrations in either Seoul or Pyongyang (oddly enough).

North Korean military authorities are reportedly demanding US$1 million in
compensation for the death of a soldier and injury of two others when a car
driven by a South Korean ploughed into them in the North’s Mt. Kumgang resort
last month. The driver worked for a subcontractor of Hyundai Asan, the South
Korean firm that exclusively organizes package tours to the scenic resort.

This is not all. It never is.

The driver in last month’s accident, who was identified as Chung, was held by
North Korean authorities until New Year’s Eve, when it released him into the
custody of Hyundai Asan. But he is reportedly unable to return to South Korea
and is staying at Mt. Kumgang staff accommodation.

Oh, I get it. This Mr. Chung is what’s known (in non-Korean venues) as a hostage. Nice.