A South Korean named Kim Kuk-gi accused of spying in North Korea is an evangelical pastor, the General Assembly of Presbyterian Churches in Korea said Friday. The organization demanded Kim's immediate release.

The GAPCK at a press conference on Friday said Kim, who is among the two South Koreans the North accuses of spying, was dispatched to proselytize in the Chinese border city of Dandong, China in 2003.

"Kim operated a shelter for North Korean defectors and preached but had nothing to do espionage," a spokesman said. It said Kim offered food and shelter to defectors who showed up at its doorstep.