Former New Mexico governor flies to N. Korea on Monday

SEOUL (REUTERS) - Former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt will start their controversial private mission to North Korea on Monday that may include an effort to secure the release of an imprisoned American, South Korean media reported.

The trip comes after North Korea carried out a long range rocket test last month and as the reclusive state continues work on its nuclear testing facilities according to satellite imagery, potentially paving the way for a third nuclear bomb test.

South Korean broadcaster MBC said the delegation comprising Mr Schmidt, his daughter, Mr Richardson and Google executive Jared Cohen would leave for Pyongyang on North Korean state carrier Air Koryo on flight CA121 on Monday.

It did not cite any named sources, although another South Korean broadcaster YTN also reported the trip would start on Monday.