Quote:
Originally Posted by ohioaninsc
IMO, he attempted suicide...his parents should never have allowed him to go there...why anyone would go to NK is beyond me
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80% likely
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suesbal
Maybe Otto’s parents received a secret settlement from North Korea.
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0.02% likely. NK has no remorse and certainly would not do anything to potentially indicate responsibility. They released him because he was of no value to them and costing them time and money, and getting in the way of their progress.
Childish stunt (stealing propaganda poster) with no forethought of the significant repercussions.
One must ALWAYS think of how the specific culture will (must) react to your actions while a foreigner there.
NK is off the charts crazy, but I have been very cautious in ALL countries (never curse the King's dog while in Thailand!), key a car in Singapore, Be loud and aggressive while in Japan. Otto did not heed the obvious warnings. his tour group is certainly at fault for NOT revealing the 'culturegram'... expectations and consequences of misbehaving in NK. (it is very clear what they will tolerate... NOTHING). You are their guest, and you can be fed to the lions at their sole discretion.
No doubt his time in confinement was terrible and likely very demeaning and painful.
Some type of drug appears to have damaged his brain. (Just guessing)
It is not something the parents, the USA, or NK is going to divulge.
Tough lesson, hope others are listening / watching / heeding.
I've taken several youth groups on international trips, but don't have the nerves or stamina to bear the responsibility any more. We now have a different breed of traveler.
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