Obituary: Paul Kim, UVA Student

Paul Kim, a recent South Lakes High School graduate, died earlier this week following complications from surgery.

Kim, 20, graduated from SLHS in 2014 and was a second-year student at the University of Virginia.

Allen W. Groves, the University of Virginia Dean of Students, sent out a statement informing students of Kim’s death:

To the University Community:

I am very sorry to inform you of the death of second-year student Paul Kim, who died yesterday, January 12, at his home in Reston, Virginia, due to apparent complications following surgery.

Paul transferred to UVA this year after studying his first year at Christopher Newport University. He lived in Weedon House, was active in the Johnson Malone Weedon Community Council, and was involved with Chi Alpha, the Christian fraternal organization. His friends have noted his love of music, especially hip-hop.

Paul’s academic and career interests included economics, finance, and international business. He had hoped to be admitted to the McIntire School of Commerce. Another of his goals was to study Korean so he could communicate fluently in his family’s native language. He had planned to visit family members in Korea and become more familiar with his cultural heritage.

In his admission essay, he described his interest in cryptocurrencies. “The egalitarian values exhibited,” he said, “are captivating and have prompted my curiosity and interest in the innovations of today that could change our future tomorrow.” Paul was equally committed to being a good person, stating, “My academic and professional goals are a high priority but giving back to others and being a virtuous human being is more important to me.”

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden St., Herndon.

Photo Courtesy Adams-Green Funeral Home