In a case that grabbed the attention of both Korean Americans and journalists, Stephen Kim has plead guilty to leaking confidential information to reporters.
Hankyoreh reports Kim reached a plea bargain deal on the charges he had been fighting since 2010.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 15 years, but under the plea deal, prosecutors are recommending a 13 month prison term. Formal sentencing is scheduled for April 2.
Kim was accused of leaking CIA intelligence that North Korea was planning to carry out a third nuclear test after the United Nations sanctioned it for its second test.
Kim was working as a senior adviser for intelligence at the US State Department’s Bureau of Verification, Compliance and Implementation.
“Faced with the draconian penalties of the Espionage Act, the tremendous resources that the federal government devoted to his case, and the prospect of a lengthy trial . . . Stephen decided to take responsibility for his actions and move forward with his life,” a statement released by Kim’s lawyer on behalf of his client said.
You can read more reaction to the plea bargain in Hankyoreh.
