Theresa Kim Hwa-young

He threw himself from a cliff near the village where he was born. A cranial fracture proved fatal. He had been under investigation for corruption. Before he died he had left a letter. The public accuses authorities of persecuting him.

Choe Sung-chul was executed for the failed open dialogue policy with South Korea. But South Korean authorities have not confirmed the story. Some sources suggest instead that it might be counter-information released in the current situation in which North Korea is threatening to shut down the Kaesong industrial complex.

For the bishops this kind of research is “ruthless violence” which destroys “human life in the name of science.” The prelates reiterate their support for terminal patients and call for research on “adult stem cells” or cells from human skin.

Mediation by Russian FM Lavrov gets nowhere. North Korea’s Communist regime plans to restart its nuclear programme. It also wants to get more benefits out of the Kaeseong industrial park. Analyst warns the “special relationship” between the two Koreas is over.

A solemn Mass has been celebrated for the conclusion of this period of commemoration. A Catholic TV station stresses the great increase in organ donations for transplant, following the example of Cardinal Kim.

The spring assembly of the South Korean bishops' conference dedicates a message to the cardinal, who died on February 16. An invitation to all the faithful of the country to "follow the footprints of the late Cardinal Kim, who triggered fresh concerns of courage and hope to practice love in the hearts of many people."

It is hoped that they will be able to return to their tormented country, realizing an unfulfilled dream of Cardinal Kim. A few weeks after the death of the former Korean primate, gestures of devotion prompted by his example are increasing.

Last January 20, six people died in a fire in a building in the capital. The police had intervened to clear the building, set on fire by demonstrators protesting against the meager compensation they had received from the government. The religious denounce the violation of human rights in South Korea.

The communist regime in the north is not ruling out military action at the maritime border west of the peninsula. Government propaganda speaks of "an historic chapter in the unification of the people," and calls upon the citizens to be "a single body" with the army. South Korean president Lee appoints a new minister for unification.

More than a hundred thousand people, including media and teachers’ unions, take to the streets in a candlelight protest against President Lee Myung-bak’s policies on media, security services and school admission.

Food and basic necessities donated by individuals and institutions are being given free of charge to 500 people. It is the fourth Food Market for the poor opened in Seoul by Caritas in the capital.

Migrants’ Arirang festival, an annual event for tens of thousands of foreign workers, is in jeopardy. Funds for an immigrant women’s hotline also dry up. Activist slams the decision, claiming it is an attempt to undo the integration policies of the former government.