[1] [2] After graduating from the Naval Academy, he commissioned as Ensign in 1989, where he first served as a communications officer under the 11th Combat Squadron of the 1st Fleet.

In 1990, he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade and served as an officer-on-duty at the Joint Operations Command Center of the 108th Squadron, 1st Fleet.

Kim later served the Naval Combat Development Group under the Weapon Systems Department and the Power Generation Department in 1999 to 2000, respectively, before being named as the commanding officer of the ROKS Yangyang (MSH 571) from 2001 to 2002, and was later appointed as Disciplinary Officer of the 8th Company, 2nd Battalion of the Naval Academy Cadet Corps from 2002 to 2003.

In 2003, Kim served as a KDX Weapon System Instructor under the Naval Education and Training Command.

During his visit, Admiral Kim called on the personnel to "deal an overwhelming blow to the enemy in case of any provocation."

According to local media reports, the visit comes amidst fears of possible nuclear missile tests by North Korea, in response of the South Korean-American "Freedom Shield" exercises.