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On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of South Africa, President Jacob Zuma extends his heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of the Republic of Korea, following the sad passing of former President Kim Young-sam, who died on Sunday, 22 November 2015 at the age of 88.

Former President Kim served as South Korea’s President from 1993 to 1998 which ended more than three decades of military rule. He was regarded as a moderate leader and an advocate for democracy who rose in politics through the National Assembly from the 1950s to the 1970s. As an iconic figure of South Korea's pro-democracy movement, he fought against military dictatorship for decades and laid the foundation for democratic peaceful transition of power.

South Africa wishes to convey its sincere condolences not only to the family of Mr Kim but also to the whole of South Korea for the loss of this icon of democracy. May his soul rest in peace.

Issued by The Department of International Relations and Cooperations