US envoy slams 'appalling' human rights in North Korea

A US envoy said the human rights situation in North Korea must improve before the country could have normal relations with the US.

President Barack Obama’s special envoy on North Korean human rights, Robert King, is visiting South Korea this week to discuss the issue with the government.

Mr King said of North Korea, “It’s one of the worst places in terms of lack of human rights. The situation is appalling. Improved relations between the US and North Korea will have to involve greater respect for human rights by North Korea.”