An arrest has been made for the murder of missing Korean backpacker Jae Hyeon Kim.

He has been missing since 2003, but police have recently been investigating letters received about his disappearance.

Detective Inspector John Winter says a 28-year-old Nelson fisherman will appear in the Nelson District Court this afternoon, and a 31-year-old former Westport man is assisting police with their enquiries. He says police are seeking other people and further charges could be laid.

Mr Winter says although Mr Kim's body has not been found, further searches could be carried.