PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) sent a message of sympathy to Japan on Monday over the 9.0-magnitude quake that has killed at least 1833 people, the official news agency KCNA reported.

Jang Jae On, chairman of the DPRK Red Cross Society, said in the message that he extended deep sympathy and consolation to the victims and their families in the earthquake on behalf of the DPRK Red Cross Society.

"It is my hope that the living of the victims will come to normal as early as possible," said Jang.

The DPRK hasn't established diplomatic relations with Japan.