Pyongyang, December 22 (KCNA) -- Rev. Han Sang Ryol, a reunification champion of south Korea, on Wednesday expressed deep condolences over the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

Han has been detained at Seoul Prison on charges of the violation of the "National Security Law" for the mere reason that he visited the northern half of Korea last year to mark the 10th anniversary of the June 15 joint declaration.

I express deep condolences over the sudden demise of Kim Jong Il, chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, he said, adding he is sure that the day of reunification will surely come.