Recognized worldwide for his musical prowess, Kim achieved First Prize at the ARD International Music Competition, as well as First Prize at the Prague Spring International Music Competition, and Second Prize (with no First Prize awarded) at the Concours de Genève. He has also been honored with special awards, including the Audience Prize, Young Audience Prize, and Special Prize. Subsequently, these achievements have opened doors for him to perform concerts across the world.

He has appeared as a soloist with many prestigious orchestras such as the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Konzerthausorchester Berlin, Bochumer Symphoniker, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra, and Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra.

He is the Principal Flute of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra since January 2024, and served as the Principal Flute at the Konzerthausorchester Berlin from 2016 to 2023. He has regularly performed with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest Principal Flute.