A Buddhist monk was given a suspended one-year-prison term Wednesday for posting articles and video images praising North Korea on the Internet.

According to the Seoul Central District Court, the monk was identified as Seo and he lived from day-to-day on handouts from people who weren't affiliated with any temple.

He had posted several articles on Web sites praising North Korea and its regime, and has also uploaded relevant videos onto YouTube, as well as other sites.

"Though his deeds are illegal and heavily punishable, he has repented. Also, his articles haven't made much impact on people here," the court said as grounds for a lenient sentence.

North Korea is still regarded as an enemy state and praising its late leader Kim Il-sung or his son Kim Jong-il could result in up to a seven-year jail sentence.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr