S. Korea officially recognizes 3 fishing crewmen abducted by N. Korea in 1973

What happened: South Korea's unification ministry officially recognized three fishing crewmen abducted by North Korea in 1973 while aboard the Daeyeong near Yeonpyeong island. Key numbers: Total government-recognized post-war abductees now 519. Consolation payment of 81 million won ($60,290) approved for Jo Gi-won's family. 3,838 South Koreans taken North since 1953; 3,319 returned. Why it matters: The recognition makes the crewmen eligible for consolation payments under a relevant law, and the ministry is seeking family members of the other two abductees.

South Korea's unification ministry officially recognized three fishing crewmen abducted by North Korea in 1973 while aboard the Daeyeong near Yeonpyeong island.

The recognition makes the crewmen eligible for consolation payments under a relevant law, and the ministry is seeking family members of the other two abductees.