This story doesn't sound plausible to me.
North Korea does some very strange things. Their legal system is not at all fair, and revolves around protecting the reputation of Kim Jung Lee. It is not uncommon to have very vague charges brought against you and then be found guilty after the court hears very vague evidence. It is very difference from the rest of the world
I understand this. I am just saying it sounds like an excuse they made up to imprison an American. Fits right in with the pretext that North Korea is the best Korea and it is so great he refused to leave.
I would believe that the NK press would spin his conviction this way to their people. Obviously this was likely not farther from the truth.
I am curious to know why so many Americans even go to NK in the first place considering the high rate of imprisonment of foreigners.