Kim Kyung-won, a veteran diplomat and renowned political scientist who served as Korea’s ambassador to the U.S. and presidential chief of staff in the 1980s, died of illness from old age Sunday. He was 76.

Kim moved to the United States while studying law at Seoul National University and transferred to Williams College in Massachusetts. And at the age of 27, he earned his doctoral degree in International Politics from Harvard University, where he was taught by Henry Kissinger.

He taught at York University in Canada, New York University and Korea University.

He began his government career as a special adviser to President Park Chung-hee at 39 in 1975.

Kim also served as chief of staff of former President Chun Doo-hwan in 1980. During the time, he reportedly requested a pardon for President Kim Dae-jung, who was then facing the death penalty. Kim also reportedly opposed Chun’s policy of controlling the local media.

Kim became Seoul’s ambassador to the United Nations in 1981 and later served as ambassador to the U.S. from 1985-1988.

After his diplomatic career, he became the head of the Institute of Social Sciences in Seoul in 1989, and began teaching politics at Korea University.

Kim, who specialized in international politics, wrote regular columns for various newspapers, and also launched a quarterly publication called “Ssang.”

Kim is also well known for his deep appreciation for classical music. In particular, Kim had a fairly thorough knowledge of German composer Richard Wagner, and served as the head of the Korean Association of Wagner. Until recently, he also worked as a classical music commentator.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)