SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - An aide says ailing former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung has been removed from a respirator because his condition has improved.

Aide Choi Kyung-hwan says the 85-year-old Kim thanked the doctors after he was removed from the machine that has helped him to breathe since Thursday. He was placed on the respirator because of complications from pneumonia.

The aide said Sunday that Kim will remain in intensive care for the time being.

Kim served as South Korea's president from 1998 to 2003. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts at reconciliation with North Korea, including a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in 2000.