A controversial North Korean defector’s acquittal for spying has been upheld on appeal, but so has his conviction for breaking South Korea’s passport laws.

In the final verdict of the appeal trial against Yoo Woo-seong, 34, that has been ongoing since early last year, charges that Yoo had taken part in espionage for the North against the South’s community of defectors were dismissed.

But Yoo, formerly a Chinese passport-holder despite growing up in the North, was convicted of concealing his Chinese citizenship, even though the prosecution’s demand for further financial penalties against Yoo was rejected.

Yoo has admitted to not revealing