He was noted for his rapid pace and wild defense, and showed a great harmony with Kim Jung-nam, his partner centre-back.

He started to perform the managerial role in his alma mater Dongnae High School before taking over as coach of a semi-professional club Hanil Bank in 1983.

Kim was back in management when he took over the rein of the South Korean national team in July 1992, and led it to the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

However, South Korea drew its second game without a goal against Bolivia, facing the danger of being eliminated in the group stage.

He had been regarded as one of the greatest South Korean managers before his return, but lost his honor by courting controversies in Daejeon.

Kim was in conflict with the president and the board of directors due to team's financial problem as well as his poor results.

He was appointed the president of Daejeon Citizen in 2017 despite previous conflict, and engaged a significant number of his acquaintances as manager, agent, and players without principle.