19 Freed Hostages Return to Korea After 45 Days

The 19 freed hostages who were seized by the Taliban in Afghanistan returned to Korea yesterday 45 days after the abduction.

The haggard-looking hostages arrived at Incheon International Airport on a Korean Air flight at 6:35 a.m. yesterday, bowed to reporters, and held a press conference. Representing the hostages, Yoo Kyung-sik (55), the oldest member of the hostages, said, “We are grateful to all Koreans for helping us rejoin our families.”

After the press conference, the freed hostages took a bus and rejoined their families at Sam Hospital in Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province.

Gwak Oak-kang (64), mother of one of the hostages, Yoo Jeong-hwa (39. female), said, “I was really worried that the hostages might not be able to come back to Korea, but I’m so happy that all the hostages have safely returned 51 days after the departure.”

gaea@donga.com min07@donga.com