U.S. President George W. Bush has denounced the killing of South Korean hostage, Kim Sun-il, as "barbaric."

Bush also said he is confident that Seoul will go ahead with plans to send additional troops to Iraq.

In an Oval Office photo session with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy, Bush said "the free world cannot be intimidated by the brutal actions of these barbaric people."

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Kim was "an innocent man, there to help the people of Iraq, cut down by senseless barbarism."

He said the United States condemns such acts, offers condolences to Kim's family members and stands with the people of South Korea.