Over the past few days much has been said about the release of the two reporters, Laura Ling and Euna Lee, from North Korea. There are two predominant camps that seem to surface. First, the proud Americans who are celebrating the power and the influence that this Democratic nation still has. Second, the wary Americans who are speculating the cost of these women’s freedom while the nation is still in the middle of a financial crisis (see related articles).

Although it is not uncommon for investigative journalists to be taken captive in hostile territories, this story has been especially controversial for several reasons. One, there is the involvement of global political figureheads such as Bill Clinton, Al Gore and Kim Jong II. Second, with the rise of social media news like this virally spread to capture the curiosity of the world. This is why everybody now seems to have an opinion on what happened, how it happened, and why it happened

Furthermore, there are a lot of questions on what the implications of Euna and Laura’s release is to America. Most wonder what had been our bargaining chip? Money? Or was there some diplomatic concession made or a compromise on certain foreign policies?

I, personally, am glad to hear that these two women are now safely home with their families. I mean, who would want to spend 12 years of grueling labor in a foreign country? At the same time, I cannot help but question what these women were thinking when they knowingly took the risk of illegally entering North Korea. Given that the trafficking of women is a newsworthy topic, wasn’t there just a bit of arrogance in the assumption that they would be able to get away with whatever they wanted to do? National Geographic actually was already able to report on a similar subject found here: Escaping North Korea. The writer and photographer were clearly in the thick of it all but did not get captured. 

It is true that important information has been uncovered by reporters who were willing to take risks, but it just seems unfair to think of all the other reporters who took the same risks and were left to pay for it. The Committee to Protect Journalists Worldwide reported 125 journalists imprisoned at the end of 2008. That does not include those that were missing or killed or those that weren't even reported. Even the United Nations recognizes the plight of these journalists. 

I do not wish to sound unsympathetic, but I think it's just so over sensationalized! I do hope that more time and resources will be devoted on the original topic they were trying to cover in North Korea (trafficking of women), in combination with the cases of all other imprisoned journalists. Since I come from a country where violence against the press is rampant, I find that Euna and Laura's story pale in comparison. To say that these two women were very lucky is an understatement. Let us remember that they weren’t the victims here. It was a foolhardy decision that they made and, moving forward, I hope that they will use their new found status to influence and support imprisoned journalists across the globe. (I heard they're already shopping for a book deal!) After all, not everyone would have a Bill Clinton to save the day.

Related Articles

Analysis: Waiting for Ling and Lee, Broadcasting & Cable

Imprisoned Journalists Around The World Face Danger, NPR.org

What Did US Offer to North Korea?, The Korea Times

North Korean rescue mission was inspiring, Daily Record

Imprisonment, Famous Sister Pay Off For Laura Ling, gawker.com

Questions linger, The Reporter

Ling's sister: Reporter touched North Korean soil, Associated Press