By Park Si-soo
Staff Reporter
Rev. Kim Dong-wan, a pro-democracy activist and Christian leader, died at the Severance Hospital in Seoul, Wednesday, as the result of a previous cerebral hemorrhage. He was 65.
Kim had been hospitalized for three weeks after losing consciousness in Thailand last month.
Born in 1942 in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Kim dedicated himself to improving human rights and democratizing Korean society.
After Jeon Tae-il killed himself in 1970 to protest the unfair treatment of workers, Kim organized a series of religious campaigns to support the needy and workers.
He served a jail term for his pro-democracy activities in the 1970s during the Park Chung-hee government.
Kim worked as top official of the National Council of Churches in Korea (KNCC) between 1994 and 2002, trying to raise awareness on the environment and labor issues.
The government awarded him medals in recognition of his contributions to social development.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
A funeral service for the late Kim will be held at Seoul National University Hospital on Sept. 15.