Prosecutors said Tuesday that they have indicted a progressive pastor on charges of violating South Korea's National Security Law.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office said the 51-year-old, identified only by his surname Kim, is suspected of making reports to a North Korean agent on domestic situations in return for money.

He is also accused of meeting with the agent in China three times and of pledging allegiance to the North.

The pastor also allegedly read North Korean books and studied its ideology, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors, intelligence officials and police have been investigating Kim's acquaintances for other possible violations of the security law.

South Koreans are banned from joining a pro-Pyongyang organization or having unauthorized contact with North Korea. They are also prohibited from supporting or praising the North in any way under the National Security Law. (Yonhap)