Russian professor of Korean studies Andrei Lankov detained in Latvia: Report

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Published: 25 Feb. 2026, 10:28

Andrei Lankov, a professor of Korean studies at Kookmin University, is pictured in this photo on the Wilson Center's website. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

A Russian professor specializing in Korean studies and teaching at a South Korean university, Andrei Lankov, has been detained by police in Latvia, where he was giving a lecture on North Korea, Russian media has reported.

Professor Lankov of Kookmin University in Seoul was detained in Latvia and was added to the Latvian authorities' "blacklist," Russian news outlet RBC reported Wednesday, citing an interview with the professor.

"Andrey Nikolaevich is safe and awaiting the arrival of his lawyer. The Australian consul has been notified of the situation," RBC quoted the lecture organizers as saying. The professor is reported to hold both Russian and Australian citizenship.

Citing a local Latvian report, the news outlet also said the professor was taken away by Latvian police officers during a lecture in Riga. The lecture, titled "North Korea: What the Leaders Want and Fear," was supposed to focus on North Korea, it said.

RBC did not provide reasons for Lankov's detention.

Yonhap