“We were confined during our captivity. Now I feel sharp pains all over my body and can't sleep well. I am taking medicines now,” Yu said. “My emotion is not normal.”

Yu and the 20 other captives who survived were moved on Wednesday to a rehabilitation centre from the hospital where they were being treated in Anyang since they arrived back in the country on September 2.

Dangerous environment

The hostages returned home 10 days ago to a mixed reception, with the relief at their release tempered by heavy criticism of their church for sending its members into a dangerous environment.

While they again apologized for the trouble they had caused, the hostages showed no sign of wanting to give up missionary work if they were allowed to continue.

“We understand the Christian community is debating that,” Lyu Kyung-sik, another former hostage, said when asked if they would return to trouble spots to do missionary work. “We'll follow the decision.”

The government has faced international criticism for negotiating directly with the kidnappers.

A senior Taliban leader had said after the hostages' were freed that Seoul had paid $20m for their release.

South Korea's spy chief has refused to deny his government paid a ransom.

Dr Park Sang-eun, who has been treating the hostages, said they had recovered from physical injuries, but that they needed more treatment to deal with possible depression and other psychological problems.

Note: This report was based on various Agencies stories.

© 2007 ASSIST News Service, used with permission