Early career
Kim attended Yonsei University in Seoul. When he was a member of Yonsei University, he scored 3 goals in 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup as a member of South Korea under 20 team and team achieved quarterfinals. Encouraged by his great plays in U-20 World Cup, he made trials in PSV Eindhoven, but failed to pass the trials.[2] The trials were conducted without the knowledge of Yonsei University and he was expelled from university football team.

Sagan Tosu
Unable to continue his career in Korea following the PSV episode, Kim was recruited by compatriot Yoon Jung-Hwan to join J. League Division 2 side Sagan Tosu. Kim signed a three-year contract with Sagan Tosu.