An obituary of O Ik Je was issued by the Central Committee of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea and the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea Sunday.

According to it, O was a patriot who dedicated himself to democracy in the south Korean society and the reunification of the country.

Born in Taegok-ri, Hoechang County of South Phyongan Province in the period of the Japanese imperialist colonial rule over Korea, he grew, subject to all sorts of national contempt as a member of the stateless nation, from his childhood. After the liberation of Korea he worked as an official of Chondoism in his hometown.

He was conscripted to serve in the disgraceful "ROK Army."

In the subsequent period he conducted positive activities for the democratization of the south Korean society, affiliated to religious and political circles and dissident pro-reunification organizations. He came into the care of the DPRK in August of 1997, disillusioned with the corrupt south Korean society where the sovereignty and dignity of the nation are wantonly violated and fascist dictatorship rides roughshod.

He worked hard for national reconciliation, unity and reunification as vice-chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea and deputy to the 11th and 12th-term Supreme People's Assembly.

He devoted all his wisdom and energies to the sacred cause of national reunification till the last moments of his life, prompted by his single desire to live up to the profound loving care and trust of leader Kim Jong Il.