Kidnapped S. Koreans freed in Egypt

The three South Koreans who were kidnapped by Bedouin tribesmen in Egypt were freed on Sunday. 53-year-old minister Lee Min-seong, church elder Lee Jeong-dal and female tour guide Mo Jong-mun were returned to the St. Catherine monastery on the Sinai Peninsula 29 hours after they were captured, Korea''s (KBS WORLD) website reported. The South Korean group plan to continue their pilgrimage after moving to Israel. South Korean ambassador to Egypt Yoon Jong-gon said the three South Koreans were released with the active help from the Egyptian government and the leaders of the Bedouin tribe. The insurgents belonged to the Bedouin tribe, and conducted the kidnap to demand the release of fellow tribespeople held captive in Egypt.