Great news, former President Bill Clinton’s surprise visit to North Korea has proven successful in freeing two journalists detained in the communist country.

ABC News has learned that Kim Jong Il pardoned Laura Ling — younger sister former co-host of The View Lisa Ling –and Euna Lee and ordered their release from a local prison on Tuesday. Laura and Euna were arrested earlier this year after straying into the country while reporting on the China-North Korea border. In June, they were convicted and sentenced to 12 years hard labor.

Clinton met with the two journalists on Tuesday and they may be able to leave North Korea as early as tonight on the same plane as the former president.

North Korea has two demands: a visit from a high-profile emissary and an apology.