Laura Ling Biography

Journalist. Born December 1, 1976, in Carmichael, California. Ling went to Del Campo High School where she was a writer for the school newspaper. She went on to become an investigative journalist, and currently works for Current TV.

In June 2009, Ling, along with journalist Euna Lee, was convicted by the North Korean government for illegal entry and committing "hostile acts" against the country. Ling and Lee were each was sentenced to 12 years of hard labor for their alleged crimes. Ling stated that she never intended to cross into North Korea. She also revealed that she requires medical treatment for an ulcer from which she regularly suffers.

Political experts believed the actions were in response to the United States' opposition of North Korea's recent efforts at nuclear testing. On August 5, 2009, former president Bill Clinton engaged in diplomatic talks with North Korea in an effort to secure Ling and Lee's releases. He returned to the U.S. with the two women later that day.

Laura is the sister of Lisa Ling, the special correspondant for Oprah Winfrey and former co-host on The View.

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