By Yoon Sojung

President Moon Jae-in sent a message of condolences to the family of U.S. college student Otto Warmbier on June 20. Warmbier died six days after returning home after being released by North Korea while in a coma.

Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Park Soo-hyun told journalist on June 20 at the Chunchugwan press center that, “President Moon Jae-in plans to send a letter of condolences to the family of Warmbier.”

“It was deplorable that North Korea does not respect human rights, which are universal norms and values of humankind,” said the presidential spokesperson.

In an interview with a news outlet the previous day, President Moon also raised questions as to whether or not North Korea fulfilled its human rights duties, such as actively informing Warmbier’s family about his worsened health condition and providing as much proper medical treatment as possible, according to spokesperson Park.

“North Korea has been detaining South Korean or U.S. citizens, but it must return them to their families as soon as possible,” said the presidential spokesperson.

“The Korean government will do its utmost toward this goal,” he added.

arete@korea.kr