Kim Yong-shik

Kim Yong-shik was born in Tongyeong in 1913 and trained in law at Chuo University. Under Japanese rule he served as a judge in Chongjin, including in proceedings against Koreans prosecuted for statements favoring independence. After liberation he practiced law in Seoul and acted for Kim Gu and the Korea Independence Party in the proceedings surrounding Jang Deok-su's assassination. He entered the foreign ministry in 1949. ¹

Kim represented Korea in Japan during the early normalization talks and subsequently held posts in France, Britain, the Philippines, and the United Nations. He twice served as foreign minister and also headed the unification ministry. His Washington ambassadorship followed another posting in London and lasted until 1981. ¹

In June 1977 Kim signed Korea's acceptance of an amendment to the bilateral textile agreement. The amendment revised consultation levels for exports of cotton, wool, and manufactured fiber products. He also attended the July 1977 meeting between President Park Chung-hee and Defense Secretary Harold Brown over planned American troop withdrawals, compensating military assistance, and a combined command. ^{2, 3}

After government service, Kim led the Korean Red Cross and became the first chairman of the Seoul Olympic organizing committee. He later chaired the Seoul Peace Prize committee. He died in 1995. ¹