Pastor freed from North Korean prison has landed in Canada, government says
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The son of a Canadian pastor who was imprisoned for more than two years in North Korea said that faith is what kept his father and their whole family going throughout the ordeal.
Hyeon Soo Lim was serving a life sentence of hard labour in North Korea for alleged anti-state activities, but was released last week on what the government described as “sick bail.” His son, James Lim, said it was surreal to see him again after living in fear over what could happen.
“To know that Canada has stood by him, we are so grateful,” said James Lim, speaking at the Light Presbyterian Church in Mississauga, Ont., where Hyeon Soo Lim serves as a pastor.
“He’s so happy to be home, he’s extremely grateful to the Canadian government, to the Canadian people. Now more than ever, he’s never felt more Canadian.”