Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jung-eun has extended her stay in North Korea by another day and will return home on Thursday. She left for the communist state on Monday to seek the release of a South Korean worker who has been detained in the North for more than four months.

There has been no word on the reason Hyun’s trip was extended, but observers say a meeting between herself and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il might come Wednesday.

If Hyun does meet with the reclusive leader, the issue surrounding the detained South Korean worker is expected to be resolved.

However, the North is likely to make a request in return for the detainee’s release, including a demand for an apology.

The worker, identified by his surname Yoo, is being detained for allegedly criticizing the North Korean system and attempting to persuade a North Korean to defect.