Kim spent his youth training either as a central defender or a defensive midfielder, but upon suggestion by his manager, he changed his position into a forward a few weeks after signing his first professional contract with Ulsan Hyundai.

[2] On 8 July 2019, Kim joined Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua and was reunited with his manager at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Choi Kang-hee.

On 30 January 2023, Kim departed from Lion City Sailors by mutual consent amidst criticism of his mobility and cost cutting at parent company Sea Limited.

On 13 December 2023, Kim played in the final AFC Champions League group stage fixture against his former club Lion City Sailors at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Kim was selected for South Korea's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and showed great performances in aerial duels against Algerian and Belgian players.

[18] A tall forward, with a slender physique, Kim was known for possessing a good first touch, as well as an eye for goal; however, he was also known for his lack of significant pace, strength, power, and athleticism, while his movement occasionally came under criticism from fans.