Free after a month in captivity.

North Korea has released the seven-man crew of a South Korean fishing boat, including three Chinese nationals, accused of illegally entering North Korean waters.

The state news agency in the north says the crew admitted what it calls the “seriousness” of their act and gave assurances they would not repeat it.

The captain thanked the public for their support, adding that the facts would come out later, when the authorities have completed an investigation.

Tension has risen between North and South Korea since the sinking of a South Korean warship and a series of military exercises by the US and the south.

Copyright © 2012 euronews