Dr. Kim studied economics at University of Seoul and got his doctorate in 2005. He worked at the Seoul city government for 30 years. In 2011, he temporarily left public office to take on the role of president at Seoul Institute, which is an urban solution think-tank of the Seoul City government. He retired as vice mayor in June 2014. His specialization is transportation and regional industry development. He was involved in majority of the projects that transformed Seoul into a global city.