What a Coincidence to Pass Away Together

Kim Il-sung and Moon Ik-hwan died in 1994

Kim Jong-il and Park Yong-gil died in 2011   

Kim Il-sung embracing Pastor Moon in 1989	Kim Jong-il and Elder Park photographed in 1995

South Korea’s notable unification activists Pastor Moon Ik-hwan and his wife Elder Park Yong-gil were greeted by Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il respectively. Pastor Moon met Kim Il-sung once, in March 1989 whereas Elder Park met Kim Jong-il twice, in July 1995 and June 2005. It is not known whether Pastor Moon met Kim Jong-il or not. The 1989 visit was conducted without the government’s approval and Elder Park was not able to accompany her husband. Extraordinary encounters between the Kims of North Korea and the Moons of South Korea are as in the pictures.

Kim Jong-il shaking hands with Elder Park in 2005 when she visited Pyongyang

However, what a coincidence that they died in the same year. Kim Il-sung passed away on 8 July 1994 and so did Pastor Moon on 16 January the same year. Kim Jong-il passed away on 17 December 2011 and so did Elder Park on 25 September the same year.

news@theasian.asia