Freed hostages arrive home

Two South Korean hostages freed from Taliban captivity arrived home today, as 19 of their compatriots remain held by the insurgent group in Afghanistan.

The two women – Kim Gina, 32 and Kim Kyung-ja, 37 – were released earlier this week and had been undergoing medical care in Afghanistan before heading home.

After arriving at Incheon International Airport outside Seoul, the two stood before a throng of journalists wearing grim expressions.

“I want to thank the Korean government and the Korean people for their concerns and sincerely apologise for causing such worries,” Kim Kyung-ja said. “I hope for safe release for the rest of our team members as well.”

“All I wish for is the release of the rest of our team members,” said Kim Gina.

The women were kidnapped last month with a group of church volunteers in southern Afghanistan.

Two men have since been shot to death by their captors, and 14 women and five men are still being held.