i can't say i feel sorry for him. he is part of a culture of young americans who are ignorant, spoiled, and stupid. He pulled a flag from hotel lobby to take home. He knows NK does not play! They will arrest you, imprison you for that. They tell you what not to do on those tours. Anthony Bourdain visits NK in his Parts Unknown documentary. This kid thought USA would protect him if something happened, he's dumb. Don't get me wrong, i hope he is ok. i hope he is being fed, and has a warm bed to sleep in, and safe of harm. But you don't go into a country like that not knowing the consequences. If he had done nothing to offend them i would feel sympathy, but he knew what he was doing.
Reminds me of this Louis C.K. bit "Of course ... But Maybe" bit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0O5h4enjrHw&ab_channel=DaveDiCicco