The government has tried to send a telegram message to North Korea urging the release of South Korean detainees in the North, but Pyongyang refused to accept. 
Seoul's Ministry of Unification said Friday that it tried to send a telegram to the United Front Department of the North's ruling Workers' Party, asking for the release and repatriation of four South Koreans held in the North: Kim Jong-uk, Kim Guk-gi, Choi Choon-gil and Joo Won-moon.
 
The ministry said however the regime refused to accept.
 
In the letter, the ministry expressed regret over North Korea staying silent to several calls made by Seoul for the detainees' release.
 
The government said the letter stressed that their families are worried and anxious, as they have no communication with the detainees.
 
Seoul also asked the North to notify the whereabouts and health conditions of the four South Koreans and allow them access to family.
 
The government promised continued efforts on multiple fronts to bring the four citizens back home at the earliest date.