SEOUL, South Korea — An American student detained in North Korea appeared in a government-arranged news conference in Pyongyang, the capital, on Monday, apologizing for what the country called an "anti-state" crime: trying to steal a political banner.
The student, Otto F. Warmbier, an undergraduate at the University of Virginia, was detained in North Korea in January while visiting the country on a tourist visa. While announcing his arrest, state news media reported last month that Warmbier entered the country with the intent of "bringing down the foundation of its single-minded unity."
"I made the worst mistake of my life," said Warmbier, sobbing and pleading for his release, according to video clips posted on Twitter by Will Ripley, a CNN reporter who covered the news conference, held at the People's Palace of Culture in Pyongyang.
Warmbier, 21, was accused of trying to steal a political banner hanging on the wall of the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang, where he was staying, early on Jan. 1, CNN said. The charges against him said he was encouraged to commit the "hostile act" by a member of an Ohio church, a secretive university organization and the CIA.
Warmbier said he tried to take the banner as a trophy for a church that offered to pay him for it, according to The Associated Press, which also covered the news conference.
"I apologize to each and every one of the millions of the Korean people, and I beg that you see how I was used and manipulated," Warmbier said, according to CNN. He added, "I was used by the United States administration like many before."
It remained unclear whether Warmbier was coerced to appear at the news conference and apologize. CNN said the student appeared to be reading from a statement.
His news conference came as the United States was trying to win support at the U.N. Security Council for a resolution calling for tough sanctions against the country for its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.
Warmbier was detained Jan. 2 as he was about to board a plane and leave the country, according to his tour agency, Young Pioneer Tours.
North Korea has held several Americans in recent years, accusing them of illegal entry, spying, spreading Christian beliefs and other "anti-state" crimes. One American was arrested for leaving a Bible behind in his hotel.