All the fishermen in the DPRK have criticized the detention as a flagrant violation of DPRK citizens' rights as well as a grave provocation to the DPRK.

Jong Ju Hyok, a fisherman of the Chongjin Fishery Station, told KCNA:

It is a universal international usage to rescue people in distress in the sea and send them to their home.

The DPRK side has rescued and helped the south Korean fishermen, who drifted in its territorial or surrounding waters, in view of compatriotism.

We, fishermen, will never tolerate such inhumane and gangster-like acts committed by the south Korean puppet group as the detention of our fellows.

Kim In Guk, a fisherman of the Soho Fishery Station, said:

I can hardly repress my indignation at the south Korean puppet group's inhumane act. The group detained the DPRK fishermen in a bid to use them for smear campaign against the DPRK. It is a height of crudity.

We will surely make the group pay dear price for it.

Ryu Jin Il, a fisherman of the Sinpho Fishery Station, said:

We are wrapped in the retaliatory will to mercilessly punish the puppet group running amuck in the confrontation with fellow countrymen.

The group should immediately repatriate the detained fishermen to their families and make an apology for its inhumane act and punish those responsible for it.