He said that while visiting the DPRK to attend commemorations of the 100th day since the demise of leader Kim Jong Il, he was surprised to see the dramatic changes there.

Great successes were achieved in all fabrics of society including politics, economy and culture and cities were brightly lit at night, he said, adding the DPRK had undergone tremendous changes.

People were full of confidence and there was no shadow on their faces.

Referring to the purpose of his visit to the DPRK, he said:

First, the Korean nation's etiquette, good manners and customs were not observed as the south Korean "government" at a time when Kim Jong Il, chairman of the National Defence Commission, demised, did not allow not only the authorities but also the non-governmental organizations to pay condolence visits.

So, I paid a condolence visit to the north on the occasion of the 100th day since his demise.

Second, it was my intention to help tide over the crisis the "government" created by sparking a close-to-war situation through its acts of rattling the nerves of the north, instead of expressing consolation and condolences over the great loss to the nation.

He dismissed the charges of "encouragement and praise of the north" the security authorities including the Intelligence Service and prosecution brought against him as nonsensical ones.

His condolence visit was a just deed as he worked hard to overcome the nation's division with peace, not a war and achieve reunification as a member of the Korean nation, he declared.