Lynnwood’s Kenneth Bae asking U.S. for help in gaining release from North Korea

Lynnwood missionary Kenneth Bae has once again begged the U.S. government to intervene to earn his release from a North Korean work camp.

Bae is nearly two years into a 15-year sentence for what the North Korean government called a plot to overthrow the government.

CNN was granted five minutes with the 46-year-old from Lynnwood on Monday. He wants his family to know that he’s being treated well but his health is continuing to fail.

“What I can say to my family and my friends is to continue to pray for me and also ask them to continue to their efforts to getting me released,” he said.

Bae is working 8-hour days at a labor camp, despite severe complications from diabetes, back pain and numbness in his limbs. He says he is the only person in the work camp. There is a doctor and about 15 or 20 guards to watch him.

“Since the last time I was transferred back from the hospital to the camp, I’ve lost already 15 pounds or more,” he said. “It’s been very difficult to stay in the camp right now.”

Bae believes the U.S. government needs to take a much more active role in seeking his release.

“I’ve been asking the American government to act upon getting me released here,” Bae said. “I do believe that a special envoy need to come in order to resolve the situation that I am in right now.”

Bae’s family released a statement last month saying he has twice been sent to a hospital during his confinement, and they don’t believe he will survive this third stay at the work camp.

Bae appeared in khakis and a button-down shirt for this interview. He had been in prison clothes during his previous interviews.