EXPLAINER: Why were Japanese abducted by North Korea?

U.S. President Joe Biden has met with families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago to show his support for their efforts to win the return of their loved ones

TOKYO -- U.S. President Joe Biden met Monday with families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago to show his support for their efforts to win the return of their loved ones.

The families said Biden talked to each of them and listened to their stories, encouraging them as their hopes were fading because of North Korea's escalating missile sand nuclear development.

WHO ARE THE JAPANESE ABDUCTED BY NORTH KOREA?

Japan says North Korea abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens, possibly many more, during the 1970s and 1980s. Twelve remain missing.