The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Friday canceled its invitation to a U.S. envoy who has sought the release of a U.S. citizen being held by Pyongyang.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Friday canceled its invitation to a U.S. envoy who has sought the release of a U.S. citizen being held by Pyongyang, according to media reports.

News of the planned trip by Robert King, envoy on North Korea human rights issues, had raised hopes that Kenneth Bae, a 44-year- old American who has been prisoner in the DPRK since last November, might be released.

Bae has been sentenced to 15 years of hard labor by the DPRK, accused of subversion.

King has planned to visit Pyongyang on Friday and Saturday following his tour of China, the Republic of Korea and Japan. He was aimed at mainly seeking freedom for Bae.