[1] Born in the United Kingdom, Kim obtained a Bachelor of Science at the University of Bristol in 1981.
She pursued a PhD in Theology at the University of Birmingham between 1997 and 2002, on the topic of "Mission pneumatology, with special reference to the Indian theologies of the Holy Spirit of Stanley Jedidiah Samartha, Vandana and Samuel Rayan."
[2] After completing her PhD, Kim taught at the Selly Oak Colleges (2001–2006) and the University of Leeds (2006–2008).
She held various posts at Leeds Trinity University since 2008, most recently Professor of Theology and World Christianity from 2011 to 2017.
She is married to Sebastian Kim, Professor of Theology and Public Life and assistant provost for the Korean Studies Center at Fuller Seminary.