Kim became the first Korean American to serve as Chairman and CEO of AMCHAM Korea in July 2017. Since then, he has led the organization, which has approximately 800 member companies, working to expand trade and investment between South Korea and the United States and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.

Before leading AMCHAM Korea, Kim built his career in global business, working in both the United States and South Korea. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He subsequently held positions including Head of Marketing at AT&T’s headquarters, CEO of Corcoran.com, and President of Palisades Advisors. In South Korea, he served as President of Overture Korea, Senior Vice President of Business at Yahoo Korea, President of Microsoft Korea, and President and CEO of General Motors Korea.

Kim currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Mirae Asset Global Investments and as an independent director of Hyundai Mobis. Since July 2023, he has also served as a commissioner on the Global Tech Security Commission (GTSC), representing South Korea. In recognition of his contributions to tax administration cooperation, he received a Presidential Commendation at the 58th Taxpayers’ Day ceremony.

The honorary doctorate was conferred in recognition of Kim’s contributions to strengthening the economic alliance between South Korea and the United States. Drawing on his global business experience, he has served as a bridge between the governments and businesses of the two countries, helped attract investment to South Korea, promoted regulatory reform, and advanced cooperation in high-tech industries.

The event consisted of two parts: a commemorative tree-planting ceremony and the honorary doctorate conferral ceremony. Attendees included Jang Seong-hyun, e x e cutive Vice President of Korean Air, as well as university faculty and staff. Kim first planted a commemorative tree in front of the Aerospace Center with Jang, KAU President Heo Hee-young, and Graduate School Dean Ahn Jun-seon. A commemorative stone was also erected to mark his visit to the university and the conferral of the degree.

The ceremony then moved to Vision Hall in the Aerospace Center. The program included a welcoming address by President Heo, congratulatory remarks by e x e cutive Vice President Jang, a presentation of Kim’s career and achievements by Dean Ahn, the reading of the citation, the conferral of the degree, and Kim’s commemorative address.

In his welcoming address, President Heo said, “Chairman James Kim has connected the two countries and broadened the scope of exchanges on the front lines of economic cooperation and trade diplomacy between South Korea and the United States.” He expressed gratitude for Kim’s special interest in and support for the university, including the expansion of the campus tennis courts and the provision of internship opportunities for students. He added, “It is a great honor to welcome Chairman Kim into our university’s alumni community through the conferral of this honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.”

In his congratulatory remarks, e x e cutive Vice President Jang said, “Chairman James Kim has served as a bridge between businesses and cultures in South Korea and the United States. Above all, his sincere consideration for others and leadership have made him a role model.” He added that, as a longtime friend and mentor, he sincerely congratulated Kim on receiving the honorary doctorate and considered it a meaningful honor befitting Kim’s dedication and achievements.