The senior adviser to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry paid her respects to the late former South Korean President Kim Young-sam on Tuesday, crediting him for helping bring democracy and a peaceful transfer of power to the country.
"I wanted to say how very honored I am to be here to pay respects on the passing and the death of a man who meant a great deal to the Republic of Korea, a man who brought democracy and the peaceful transfer of power to the country," Amb. Kristie Kenney told reporters.
"We mourn his loss, but I think celebrate the contributions and celebrate the extraordinary friendship between the United States of America and Korea," she said after paying her respects before a memorial altar set up at South Korea's Embassy in Washington.
Kenney, a career diplomat who assumed the current position last month after serving as ambassador to Thailand, the Philippines and Ecuador, said the White House will announce whom it will send to South Korea to attend the funeral ceremony for the late leader.
"We don't have that for you yet," she said.
Kenney later held a meeting with South Korean Ambassador Ahn Ho-young.
The embassy began accepting mourners after opening the altar on Monday.
Amb. Sung Kim, deputy assistant secretary of state for Korea and Japan, was one of the first to pay his respects there. Kim said he has "vivid memories of President Kim's contributions and activities and of course have long respected his fight for democracy."
   On Sunday, the White House expressed condolences, saying the late leader helped lead the Asian ally to democracy and his legacy is enshrined in "unbreakable" ties between the two countries.
"His contributions to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Republic of Korea will always be remembered, and his legacy is enshrined in America's unbreakable relationship with the Korean government and people," the White House said in a statement.

Source: YONHAP.