Merrill Newman home after North Korea ordeal
US veteran of the Korean War Merrill Newman has arrived in San Francisco after being released by North Korea.
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North Korea's state news agency said Mr Newman was expelled on "humanitarian grounds" after confessing to "crimes" in the 1950-53 war and "apologising".
He had been held since October on charges of "hostile acts" against the North, while visiting as a tourist.
Although Mr Newman, 85, did serve during the Korean War, his family says he is the victim of mistaken identity.
"We are pleased that Mr Merrill Newman has been allowed to depart the DPRK (North Korea) and re-join his family. We welcome the DPRK's decision to release him," said state department spokeswoman Marie Harf.
"Please forgive me," Mr Newman asked in a four-page statement, titled "Apology"
"I'm delighted to be home," Mr Newman said in San Francisco. "It's been a great homecoming. I'm tired, but ready to be with my family."
He thanked the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang and US embassy in Beijing for helping to secure his release.
Mr Newman - a pensioner from Palo Alto, California - had been held in North Korea since being taken off a plane as he prepared to leave the country on 26 October, following a 10-day tourist visit.
It is something of a surprise that he was released so quickly" says the BBC.