ENCINITAS, Calif., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The family of a missionary who was held in North Korea for 43 days is happy to have the U.S. national back home, his brother says.

Paul Park said he is happy his younger brother, Robert, was reunited with their family following his prolonged ordeal, prompted by the 28-year-old missionary's decision to illegally cross into North Korea, the San Diego Union-Tribune said Monday.

Robert Park entered North Korea in an attempt to deliver letters to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. The letters sought the release of political prisoners and Kim's resignation, requests that could have resulted in Park's execution.

Paul Park said after his brother arrived back in the United States Saturday, the missionary spent time with their parents in Encinitas, Calif.

"It's been really touching and wonderful to watch my brother and mother reconnect," Paul Park told the Union-Tribune.

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