Kim Sang-geun came to North Korea after having unspecified difficulties living in the South

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

North Korea says it will deport a South Korean man who entered the country illegally, in an apparent conciliatory gesture.

The North's official Korean Central News Agency said on Friday that Kim Sang-geun entered through a third country after having unspecified difficulties living in the South.

It said Kim asked to live in North Korea but it would repatriate him next week. South Korea's unification ministry has agreed to take custody of Kim.

Analysts say the man's return suggests that North Korea is keen to improve relations with its neighbour.

North Korea has previously been accused of using illegal migrants as propaganda tools by bringing false espionage charges against them.