Merrill Newman was detained in North Korea in October , after a trip to the Asian nation . The U.S. State Department said it had no information about Newman's detention or status and that consular officials were working with his family. Family of another detained American thanks the White House for seeking their release . `` We need to have Merrill back at the head of the table for the holidays , '' Lee Newman told CNN 's Wolf Blitzer . ` An expert says that North Korea is trying to get the world 's attention .
Merrill Newman was detained in North Korea in October , after a trip to the Asian nation . The U.S. State Department said it had no information about Newman's detention or status and that consular officials were working with his family. Family of another detained American thanks the White House for seeking their release . An expert says that North Korea is trying to get the world 's attention .