PUSAN, South Korea—A Christian funeral service for Kim Sun-il, the South Korean hostage killed by Iraqi insurgents, was held Wednesday at a Pusan gymnasium. According to The Korea Times the service sent a message of forgiveness and love to Iraq and the world.

The center of the podium in the gym displayed Kim's picture and placards on which letters were written in Korean, English and Arabic, saying, "I love Iraq."

Kim's brother Jin-kuk, as a representative of Kim's family, read the message "Embrace the Nation of Iraq," "Love the People of Iraq" with English and Arabic translations.

"We want to tell you that the dream blossoming in Sun-il's heart was Korea's love for Iraq, the world's love for Iraq, and our love for each other by becoming one," his family said in the message.

"At this place where we now part from Sun-il forever while we are on this earth, we cross the river of grief and pain to profess these things with trembling voices. We want to weep, but instead we profess with joy. We embrace the nation of Iraq, we love the people of Iraq," the message concluded.

Kim's sister Hyang-rim also expressed her gratitude to those who participated in the funeral and those who sent condolences to her family. "Though Sun-il has gone, I hope his death can bring peace in Iraq and the Middle East," she added.

In addition to Kim's family and friends, about 3,000 mourners took part in the funeral. Among them were Uri Party chairman Shin Ki-nam, Uri Party floor leader Chun Jung-bae, and Grand National Party secretary general Kim Hyong-o.

President Roh Moo-hyun also sent condolences through senior presidential secretary for civil society Moon Jae-in.

Kim's body was laid to rest at a public cemetery in Pusan, his hometown. Government officials said Kim's family has demanded the government set up a church in memory of the former theology major and allow Kim's body to be buried at a national cemetery.

The Defense Ministry decided that Kim, a civilian who never worked for the government, is not eligible for the burial at a national cemetery. It has not been known how much the government has proposed for compensation, but rumors are circulating that Kim's family has demanded several billions of won.

Kim's family has said they will donate a part of the government compensation to build a church for Kim, a devoted Christian.