A US citizen detained in North Korea will go on trial this Sunday, North Korean state media has confirmed.

It is not known exactly what charges are being held against Matthew Miller, 24, though it has previously been reported that he was detained for "perpetrating hostile acts" against the state.

Korean Central News Agency said yesterday that the Supreme Court will "judge" Miller later this week.

The government has "decided to hold on September 14 a court trial on American Matthew Todd Miller, now in custody according to the indictment of a relevant institution," a statement read.

Miller allegedly tore up his tourist visa at the airport upon arriving in North Korea, shouting that he had come "to the DPRK after choosing it as a shelter."

He is one of three American citizens currently being held by North Korean authorities. Kenneth Bae, a 46-year-old Christian missionary and tourist operator, and Jeffrey Fowle, 56, are also detained.

Bae was convicted of preaching against and planning to overthrow the North Korean government and was sentenced to 15 years of hard labour in April 2013.

Fowle was arrested after apparently leaving a Bible in his hotel room while on a tour of the country, and was investigated for acts "inconsistent with the purpose of a tourist visit". He has not yet stood trial.

Last week, Miller, Bae and Fowle spoke to the media and urged the White House to negotiate their release.

Speaking with CNN from an unidentified hotel in Pyongyang, Miller described his situation as "very urgent".

He also added that he has apologised to the North Korean government for his actions and has "been asking for forgiveness," but did not give an explanation as to why he attempted to seek asylum.

Bae asked for continued prayer, and expressed concerns about his own health.

Attempted visits by the US special envoy for North Korean human rights issues have been cancelled several times in the past by North Korean officials.