In a statement seen by CNN, a spokesperson for the family of Alek Sigley, 29, said he had “not been in digital contact” with friends and family since Tuesday morning Australian time, which was “unusual for him.”
While North Korea’s communication infrastructure has modernized in recent years, it still lags much of the world in reliability.
The family spokesperson, who asked not to be named, added that it was not confirmed whether Sigley has been detained.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Wednesday it was providing consular services “to the family of an Australian man who has been reported as being detained in North Korea,” but did not name Sigley citing privacy concerns.
Sigley is studying Korean literature at Kim Il Sung University, North Korea’s most prestigious institution of higher learning. He also founded a tour group called Tongil Tours, according to his Twitter page.
North Korea’s domestic internet is not connected to the outside world.
Sigley first visited North Korea in 2012, his family said in the statement. He is fluent in Korean and Mandarin.
Source : Nbcnewyork