N. Korea's Kim marks death anniversary of Unification Church founder

SEOUL, Aug. 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sent a message of condolence to the family members of Unification Church founder Moon Sun-myung on the third anniversary of his death, state media reported Sunday.

"On the occasion of the third anniversary of (the) death of Mr. Moon Sun Myung, former president of the World Peace Federation, I express profound sorrow to President Han Hak Ja and bereaved family members," Kim said in the message, according to an English dispatch by the North's Korean Central News Agency.

Han is the widow of the late Moon.

"Mr. Moon Sun Myung made lots of efforts for reconciliation and unity of the nation, reunification of the country and global peace," Kim said. "It is my hope that President Han Hak Ja and the bereaved family members will continue carrying forward the behest of Mr. Moon Sun Myung."

Moon, who was born in what is now North Korea in 1920, met the country's founding leader Kim Il-sung during a trip there in 1991 and carried out various projects involving the communist country, including the establishment of car manufacturer Pyeonghwa Motors Corp.

He died in South Korea on Sept. 3, 2012.

hague@yna.co.kr
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