Two Female Hostages Arrive Home after One-month Captivity

37-year-old Kim Kyung-ja and 32-year-old Kim Gina were among the 23 Korean volunteer workers kidnapped on July 19th while traveling on a bus from Kabul to Kandahar. On Monday the kidnappers unconditionally freed Kim Gina and Kim Kyung-ja in what the Taliban calls a gesture of good faith. The women came home Friday.

"I would like to apologize to the Korean government and the people, and also to thank them for looking out for us. I would like to see the rest of our team come back home."


"We only hope for the safe return of the remaining 19 hostages."

Both Kims had been under medical supervision at a Korean military base In Afghanistan until their departure. They first flew to Delhi, India, to board a civilian plane and arrived at Incheon International Airport around noon Friday.

According to authorities the two Koreans will be moved to a military hospital just outside of Seoul for another medical checkup. Authorities say they chose the military hospital because the government fears media exposure of the women might adversely affect ongoing negotiations between Korean officials and Taliban rebels.

This weekend marks one month in captivity for the 19 Koreans who are still held hostage in Afghanistan.