[2][3][4][5] He gained public attention when he investigated corruption allegation of the former Chancellor of Yonsei University, Jung Chang-young [ko] in 2005.

[2] Following the resignation of controversial Cho Kuk, Kim became the interim Justice Minister until Choo Mi-ae was appointed to the position.

[6] On 3 May 2021, Kim was nominated the Prosecutor General after the resignation of Yoon Suk Yeol who has been in conflict with the Moon Jae-in government.

[3][4][5] He favours the prosecution reform of the Moon government, such as establishing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.

Kim resigned in protest against the outgoing Democratic Party's legislation to strip the prosecutor service of investigative powers.