A University of Georgia political science professor and expert on North Korean issues, Han Park, is said to have played a mediating role in the release of the two American journalists.

Since the two journalists were arrested by the North, Park is said to have visited Pyongyang in March and again on July fifth to discuss their release with North Korean officials.

After his Pyongyang visit, Park reportedly flew to Seoul and told U.S. Ambassador to Seoul, Kathleen Stephens, that the U.S. government should admit the women engaged in so-called hostile acts, apologize, and ask for pardon in order to secure their release.

In mid-July, he contacted former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, calling for the need to send a special envoy to the North.