ET has the latest...

Just moments after freed American journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling landed in Burbank, CA, Ling spoke to the crowd saying, "the past 140 days have been the most difficult heart-wrenching times of our lives."

Ling reveals how she and Euna found out they would be coming home.

"We feared that at any moment we could be sent to a hard labor camp and suddenly we were told we were going to a meeting and we were taken to a location and we walked through the doors we saw standing before us, President Bill Clinton," she said. "We were shocked. But we knew instantly in our heart that the nightmare of our lives was finally coming to and end and now we stand here home and free.

"Euna and I would like to express our deepest gratitude towards Bill Clinton ... to our loved ones, friends, colleagues, and to the complete strangers with the kindness of hearts who showed up so much love and sent u so many positive thought and energy. We could feel your love all the way in the North Korea -- it's what kept us going."

Laura said that after nearly five months away, she and Euna just wanted to spend quality time with their families.

"We are so anxious right now to spend some quiet private time to get reacquainted with our families."

Meanwhile, President Obama spoke about the women returning home. "The two young journalists are safely back with their families we are extraordinarily relieved," he said from the White House. The reunion is a source of happiness not only for families but for the entire country."