Washington, Apr 28: North Korea plans to begin a trial against a US citizen detained there last year, CNN reported.
Pae Jun Ho entered North Korea as a tourist Nov 3, 2012, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
After his detention, evidence revealed he had committed an unspecified crime against the country, the North Korean news agency said.
The agency said he confessed to the alleged offence, but it did not elaborate what it was.
"He will soon be taken to the Supreme Court of North Korea to face judgment," the news agency said.
North Korea and the US do not have diplomatic relations. Consular officials from the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang, which looks after US interests in North Korea, visited Pae.
US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the US was working closely with Swedish embassy officials.
"Welfare of US citizens overseas is a critical priority of the Department of State," Psaki said.
The developments come amid tense relations between North Korea and South Korea and the US. In recent weeks, the North has intensified threats against the two countries.
