A court in South Korea jailed an American citizen yesterday for nine years for spying on behalf of North Korea, a reminder of the intrigue and espionage that persists across the world’s last Cold War border.

Michael Jang, a naturalised US citizen born in South Korea as Jang Min Ho, was convicted by Seoul Central District Court of passing national secrets to the North, provoking antiAmerican feeling, meeting North Korean agents, illegally visiting Pyongyang and possessing materials “praising” its regime.

Three of his South Korean associates, including members of a left-wing opposition party, also received sentences of between four and six years for similar offences, although they were acquitted of forming an organised spy ring.

The case has hampered efforts by the South Korean Government to reduce tension with North Korea.

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