South Korean hostages say left wills before Afghan trip

By Jack Kim

ANYANG, South Korea (Reuters) - South Korean Christian activists held hostage by the Taliban said on Tuesday about half of the group of 23 church volunteers had left wills before leaving for Afghanistan.

A few had said Christian prayers in secret so as not to anger their Muslim captors, two of the former hostages told a news conference.

"We prayed, taking turns, pretending we were talking and with our eyes open" said Kim Ji-na, 32.

Kim was one of two hostages freed on Aug. 13, about two weeks before the remaining 19 hostages were released.

The group was kidnapped in Ghazni province in southeastern Afghanistan on July 19 as they were travelling in a tour bus. The Taliban shot dead two male hostages in the early stages of negotiations.

"I had drawn up a will," Kim said. She said it had been suggested to the group as part of preparations for the trip.

Kim had no comment on the criticism levelled against the church for taking inexperienced volunteers into an area where Taliban forces are strong.

The remaining 19 returned home to an uncomfortable welcome last Sunday, with many Koreans blaming them and the church that sent them for an ill-advised mission to an obvious danger spot.