South Korean protesters light candles during a rally demanding the safe return of South Koreans kidnapped in Afghanistan and the withdrawal of South Korean troops from that country in Seoul, 25 Jul 2007

South Korea has condemned the killing of a South Korean hostage by Taleban insurgents in Afghanistan, and say those responsible will be held to account. VOA's Kurt Achin reports from Seoul.

Families at a church near Seoul wailed in horror at learning 42-year-old Bae Hyung-ku had been killed by Taleban insurgents.

Afghan officials say Bae's body, riddled with bullets, was dumped near where he and 22 other South Korean Christian activists where taken hostage a week ago.

Baek Jong-chun, a senior secretary to South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, expressed condolences to Bae's family, and condemned the killing.

Baek says the kidnappers will be held accountable for taking the life of a South Korean citizen.

Self-described Taleban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi says Bae was killed because Afghan and South Korean officials refused to free a number of imprisoned Taleban.

The other hostages are believed to be alive in Taleban custody. Earlier reports that eight had been free were inaccurate.

Ahmadi says that although a hostage has been killed, negotiations over the rest are still possible.