The family of a South Korean national kidnapped by North Korea in 1978 has urged the two Koreas for his swift repatriation.

In a news conference Wednesday, the mother and sister of Kim Young-nam expressed disbelief over news that Kim is alive in the North and said they hope to see him soon.

Kim came into the spotlight after Japan said he is the husband of the late Japanese abductee Megumi Yokota and alive in the North.

Civic groups to help South Koreans abducted by the North said they will push for a reunion between Kim and Yokota's families.

They will also hold next week in Washington an event asking for help from the global community with similar groups in Japan.