Chosun Ilbo: Andrei Lankov arrested in Latvia

Update: NK News reports that he’s been released (paywall).

The Chosun Ilbo is reporting that the well-known North Korea expert, Professor Andrei Lankov, has been arrested in Latvia. It doesn’t say why, but Russians have often fallen under suspicion in the Baltic states in recent years as Russia wages a hybrid war against them.

Professor Lankov and I fell into some strong disagreements in recent times, this is an earthquake for the many Korea-watchers who knew, liked, and admired him.

I can’t speak to the merits of the charges without knowledge of what they are and what evidence supports them. On a strictly personal level, I always enjoyed our conversations, and I wish him a speedy resolution and a safe journey home.