South Korea’s unification minister met with Protestant church leaders on Monday to ask for their help to “ensure the return of detained missionaries, abductees, detainees and prisoners of war.”

Kim Yung-ho’s talks with the eight pastors came after the Yoon administration launched a campaign earlier this year to garner renewed attention on the issue of abducted and detained South Koreans in North Korea. 

There are currently six South Koreans known to be detained in North Korea, including three missionaries. 

Eric Foley, CEO of Voice of the Martyrs Korea, told NK Newsthe persecution of Christians in North Korea should