August 20, 2013
Translated by Lymhwa Kim
Edited by Krista Moon
The condolence message from North Korean Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, was delivered on Tuesday August 20, 2013 by Mr. Yang Gon Kim (far right), the chairman of the Korea Asia-Pacific Committee, to Mr. Sang Kwon Park (back shown), the former head of Peace Motors Corporation (Pyeonghwa Motors). (Photo credit: Yonhap News)
Kim Jong-un, the Supreme leader of North Korea, has sent a condolence message to Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), to mark the oneyear anniversary of the passing of the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, according to North Korea’s chief news agency.
The condolence message was delivered on Tuesday August 20, 2013 by Mr. Yang Gon Kim, the chairman of the Korea Asia-Pacific Committee, to Mr. Sang Kwon Park, the former head of Peace Motors Corporation (Pyeonghwa Motors).
Mr. Kim (far right) reads Kim Jong-un’s condolence message to Mr. Park. (Photo credit: Yonhap News)
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea’s official wire service, quoted Kim Jong-un, “I pray for the repose of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who worked for harmony and prosperity of the Korean people, the unification of Korea and world peace.” He added that he wishes that Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon and her family would inherit and carry forward Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s will and also sends his best wishes to the work of FFWPU.
Mr. Sang Kwon Park expressed his appreciation for the condolence message and returned the greeting to Kim Jong-un on behalf of FFWPU and the family of Rev. Moon.
Mr. Park (left) received Kim Jong-un’s condolence message on behalf of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) from Mr. Kim (right). (Photo credit: Yonhap News)
When Rev. Sun Myung Moon ascended on September 3, 2012, Kim Jong-un sent a flower arrangement expressing his condolences and afterwards conferred the National Reunification Prize upon the late Rev. Moon, which was accepted by his son, Rev. Hyung Jin Moon, who met with high North Korean Officials on September 7, 2012.
Dr. Mark Barry, a frequent visitor to North Korea and the top Korean analyst, commented: “In my view, this one-year anniversary message conveys great sincerity toward True Mother. North Korea really respected Rev. Moon, because Kim Il Sung did. Therefore, their commitment today is consistent with the way Kim Il Sung received Father Moon in 1991. While nothing should be read into this message, it is the basis of future cooperation. I personal hope True Mother can lead the way to reunification.”
Coverage of Kim Jong-un condolence message has been reported by Yonhap News Agency and Global Post.