[5] Having studied in Rome, Kim acquired training in Italian operatic works and was the first singer of Korean birth to enter the Verona and Puccini Competitions.
She held the title the role of Cio-Cio San in Puccini's Madama Butterfly with the Hawaii Opera Theater in March 1985[9] and in Los Angeles in October 1986.
[10] As a New York City Opera member, Kim appeared as Mimi in Puccini's La Bohème.
[11] Other appearances include those at the Bastille Opera, the National Symphony in Washington DC, and the LA Philharmonic.
Because of her remarkable voice, her grounding in the Italian repertoire, and her pioneering role as a musician of Asian descent accomplished in the Western art music tradition, Young-mi Kim has been called, "the Maria Callas of the East".
A master of messa di voce through superb breath control, she is also highly regarded for her musical accuracy and her tonal consistency throughout an extensive vocal range.
In opera and concert performances, her musical mastery has been recognized both for its extraordinary power and richness along with the professionalism of her gentle stage manners.
In 1979, she won the first prize at Giacomo Puccini Contest, and in 1980, she was ranked one of the six best singers at Maria Callas Concours.