( August 2, 1989)PRIESTS ARRESTED IN ATTEMPT TO HELP STUDENT RE-ENTER SOUTH KOREA
KO7815.0517 August 2, 1989 61 EM-lines (643 words) KOREA PRIESTS ARRESTED IN ATTEMPT TO HELP STUDENT RE-ENTER SOUTH KOREA SEOUL (UCAN) -- South Korean reunification advocate Susana Im Su-Kyong, 21, ended a six-day hunger strike at Panmunjom Aug. 1. Her fast began after she failed July 27 to re-enter South Korea, where she faced arrest.
Im, a Catholic and student leader, and Father Moon Kyu-hyon, a South Korean priest with residency in the United States, had fasted for Korean reunification with about 100 North Koreans.
Three South Korean priests were taken into custody July 29 by agents of South Korea's National Security Planning Agency (NSPA), after a series of incidents including the brief arrest of 20 priests near the border.
The Catholic Priests Association for Justice (CPAJ), after meeting at Seoul's Myongdong Cathedral July 31-Aug. 1, launched a national drive against a crackdown on dissidents who travel to North Korea.
Im entered North Korea June 30 to represent the National University Students Association at the North Korea-sponsored World Festival of Youth July 1-8 in Pyongyang.
She later joined a peace march with activists from 30 countries from the North Korea-China border to Panmunjom, reaching the border dividing Korea July 27. They planned to continue to Cheju island off South Korea's southern coast.
She intended to cross the border accompanied by Father Moon, but was refused entry. Father Moon, who lives in the Philippines, went to North Korea at the request of the CPAJ to accompany Im across the border.
The CPAJ, at a press conference July 26, explained their actions.
"We will submit ourselves to punishment by law for our sending Father Moon to the North, if it is in violation of existing laws," a spokesperson said.
They had involved themselves "in the holy work of the National Reunification Movement," they said, and denounced "the inconsistent reunification policy of the government."
The priests also wrote the Catholic Conference of Korea (CCK) July 27 to explain their actions. The bishops' conference expressed shock July 28 at the actions, and regret that the CPAJ had sent Father Moon to North Korea.
"We can be very sure of the expected pains and suffering of Ms. Im Su-kyong," the CPAJ wrote. "Father Moon has gone to the North representing ourselves in order to protect Susana and pass through the wall of national division."
Twenty CPAJ priest-members, who attempted to visit Panmunjom July 27 to welcome Im and Father Moon at the border, were stopped by about 300 police.
The government also mobilized 20,000 troops to prevent demonstrations in Seoul and in the demilitarized zone.
The NSPA issued warrants July 28 for the arrests of four priests: Father Moon, and Fathers Nam Hak-hyon, Ku Il-mo and Pak Pyong-hun.
Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan of Seoul visited Fathers Nam, Ku and Pak in Myongdong Cathedral July 28 as they awaited arrest.
"I have come to see you, since we may not be able to see each other for some time after you are arrested," Cardinal Kim told them.
The three priests facing arrest celebrated Mass in Myongdong Cathedral July 29 with 20 other priests and 130 people from Catholic organizations. They then walked to the cathedral entrance where police were waiting.
Father Nam read a statement calling on the government to remove all obstacles to reunification, and allow Im and Father Moon to return through Panmunjom. They also asked that the 44th Eucharistic Congress in Seoul in October be a venue for the reconciliation and unity of the divided country.
He then read a statement from the three priests about to be arrested.
"We allow ourselves to be arrested," Father Nam said. "It is not because we recognize the National Security Law, but we hope that the government authority can repent, and also hope to stand firmly for reunification."
Eighteen other Catholic associations attended a Mass July 31, then distributed literature demanding abolition of the National Security Law, which bans South Koreans from visiting North Korea without government approval.
The CPAJ, which has more than 1,000 members, led street protests in 1987 calling for government reforms. The events led to then-President Chun Doo-hwan calling national elections.
