Opposition Grand National Paryt (GNP) lawmaker Chung Hyung-keun says a South Korean pastor previously abducted by North Korea is believed to be dead.

GNP spokeswoman Jeon Yeo-ok quoted Chung as saying the information was brought to light during a recent investigation of a North Korean defector, and that the government should seek to repatriate the remains of pastor Kim Dong-shik.

Early last week, state prosecutors said Kim may have been kidnapped by Pyongyang agents in January 2000 while carrying out activities to help North Korean refugees in China.