Kim was selected as the first honoree due to his years of dedicated service developing global business education programs, professional events and opportunities for Saint Louis University, St. Louis and the Midwest region.

Members of St. Louis Regional International Partnership include Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri District Export Council, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Saint Louis University, Transportation Club of St. Louis, University of Missouri St. Louis - International Studies & Programs, US Export Assistance Center, Washington University, Webster University, World Affairs Council of St. Louis, World Trade Center St. Louis, and St. Louis Trade Compliance Practitioners Roundtable.

Kim is the founding director of the Boeing Institute of International Business in the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University and the Paul G. Lorenzini Endowed Professor of International Business.  He has authored or co-authored seven books, his scholarly articles have been published in more than 30 journals, and he serves as editor-in-chief of the Multinational Business Review.

His professional service includes the World Trade Center St. Louis (which he helped found in 1993, and served as chairman from 1998-2003); the Missouri District Export Council; the World Affairs Council; the World Agricultural Forum; and the Korean-American Finance Association.

He has been a fellow with the Korea Institute for International Trade and Investment, and was appointed by the governor of Missouri to chair the Missouri Leadership Council in International Business.

He has served as a consultant for multinational companies and international banks. Through the Boeing Institute of International Business, he hosts or co-sponsors numerous global business events and seminars for the region's business, civic, and government communities.

Kim attended the Seoul National University Law School and received his MBA and Ph.D. from the New York University Stern Business School.