Kim Chung-yul

Kim Chung-yul began as an aviator in Japan's armed forces and became one of the founders of South Korea's air force. Born in Seoul in 1917, he graduated from the Japanese military academy's aviation program in 1941 and served during the Pacific War. After liberation, he helped develop the Korean air arm, headed its academy, and became the first chief of the air force in 1949. He later served as defense minister until the April 1960 revolution. ¹

As ambassador, Kim discussed the cost of Korea's defenses with John F. Kennedy. In their June 1963 conversation, Kennedy raised reducing troop numbers. Kim argued that the length of the defended front made reductions difficult. He also warned that North Korea would exploit two captured American helicopter pilots for propaganda. ²

Kim's subsequent career crossed politics and business: he served in the National Assembly, led the anticommunist league, and held senior corporate posts. He became prime minister in 1987 and remained in office into 1988, during the transition to a new presidency. He died in 1992. ¹