A U.S. citizen detained in North Korea since November is being well cared for, according to the U.S. State Department.

Eddie Jun was arrested for reportedly trying to spread Christianity in the communist country.

State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Jun has been allowed to speak to his family by phone.

He has called for Jun's immediate release on humanitarian grounds so he can be reunited with his family.

Swedish diplomats, who look after U.S interests in North Korea, have visited Jun six times since March.