Humans of Yonsei

Who has the highest IQ on Earth? How remarkable can human intelligence truly be? These are questions that many of us have pondered at least once. Alumnus Kim Young-hoon, officially recognized with an IQ of 276, holds the title of the most intelligent person in recorded history. In addition to his recognition in July this year at the World Mind Sports Council 's World Memory Championships , he was also acknowledged by the Korea Record Institute  in November last year as the highest IQ holder. Kim is the only Korean member of the ultra-high IQ society, Mega Society , and is listed in the World Genius Directory  and the Giga Society  as the individual with the highest IQ globally. However, Kim’s accomplishments extend far beyond merely possessing a high IQ. He is actively involved in expansive brain research and is building an international intellectual community, collaborating with leading scholars around the world. Kim’s work demonstrates a relentless pursuit of knowledge across disciplines, pushing the boundaries of human intellect.

Discovering the Power of the Mind Through Self-Exploration

The mind of an individual with an extraordinary IQ is often a source of fascination and envy. Was Kim, recognized with the highest recorded IQ of 276, aware from a young age that his intelligence was significantly above average? While it’s easy to imagine that his childhood mirrored the life of a stereotypical genius, the reality is quite different. He had never taken an IQ test during his school years. It was only after experiencing a period of uncertainty during high school and later, in his twenties, amidst engagement in self-reflection that he began to realize the true potential of his mind.

"Going through a rough patch in high school, I became interested in IQ tests after reaching adulthood as I decided to give studying another try. As I began to explore myself more deeply, I realized that to excel academically, there was a need to understand my abilities. This led me to explore intelligence tests and memory-related research. I saw people with exceptional memory skills memorizing dozens of cards within a minute. Curious if I could do the same, I tested myself and discovered I had the same capability. Around that time, I appeared on the TV show ‘Finding Genius’ , which presented the opportunity to showcase my skills to the world.”

In 2015, on the TV show ‘Finding Genius’, Kim astounded viewers by flawlessly memorizing 104 poker cards in just over 10 minutes. Although he had always sensed that studying came easier to him than to others, it was through formal intelligence tests that he fully recognized the uniqueness of his abilities. He achieved perfect scores on the Mensa intelligence test and the clinical intelligence test accredited by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This prompted him to seek even higher levels of assessment, leading him to challenge various international high-IQ tests. Official IQ tests are typically conducted one-on-one and scored on a relative scale. Many are structured as championship-style competitions, where Kim consistently achieved top scores. When the World Mind Sports Council (WMSC) certified his IQ of 276 at the World Memory Championships, he garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally as the individual with the highest IQ in history.

A Journey of Exploring Truths: Freedom of Learning at Yonsei

Kim's interest in intelligence, which stemmed from his exploration of self, was born from a period of confusion in his youth. Feeling stifled by a standardized education system, Kim reflected on how this system may have constrained his extraordinary intellect, leaving little room for it to flourish.

"I never received any gifted education or special training. My mother wanted me to follow the public education system, and I did so dutifully, especially up until middle school, where I had no real rebellious phase. But when I entered high school, I began to question why everyone had to mechanically undergo the same education system. It felt stifling to be confined in school from 8 AM to 10 PM. That’s when I started to struggle and decided to pursue piano, which had always been a hobby and talent of mine. In some ways, it was an escape. I could leave school early and come home. It brought me a bit of peace, but it was still a difficult time in my life."

However, when he entered university, his passion for piano began to fade. This left Kim in a period of reflection, wondering, “What should I do with my life?” Feeling that finding an answer was necessary to move forward, he began to immerse himself in various subjects—economics, humanities, and social sciences—and ultimately concluded that the world is shaped by the flow of ideas. Above all, rather than focusing on a specific field, he sought to understand the world through a more comprehensive, philosophical lens.

“When I decided to stop playing the piano and find something I could study continuously, many around me suggested fields like medicine or science. But that would mean focusing solely on a particular subject. I had already spent time questioning myself, and now I wanted to question the world and seek answers. Philosophy seemed like the most fitting discipline, so I enrolled in another university's philosophy department. As I delved into philosophy, I realized that, despite the diversity of philosophical fields, they all ultimately converge into a single truth theory. This brings one to the question of whether to choose theism or atheism. Since I believed in an absolute natural law, I felt compelled to study this further and eventually transferred to the College of Theology at Yonsei University.”

At Yonsei, Kim embarked on a journey of exploring truth. What drew him to Yonsei’s College of Theology was its freedom to explore, unconfined by rigid frameworks. The learning environment encouraged open-mindedness and a flexible approach to understanding truths—qualities that continue to enrich him to this day.

”"Yonsei’s College of Theology was the first to be established in Korea. It leads the country in theological research and consistently ranks at the top in various academic evaluations. What makes it unique is its pursuit of academic theology and its openness to interdisciplinary research, allowing it to engage with other fields. Rather than being tied to denominational theology, it seeks to understand theology as an academic pursuit. It’s a theology that allows for questioning, not one with fixed answers. At Yonsei, one can study theology through atheistic perspectives, through Buddhism, and through psychology, focusing on faith itself rather than on denominational distinctions. This has allowed me to learn a deeper, more liberal form of theology."

Kim’s search for truth and his continuous questioning of the world have led him into ever-widening areas of inquiry. His intellectual exploration has extended beyond theology to include a double major in sociology, a minor in linguistics, and even studies in neuroscience at King’s College London. All of these pursuits were not for the sake of acquiring degrees but were driven by his curiosity to understand humanity and the world. Recognizing that cognitive abilities are linked to emotional and psychological stability, Kim is currently pursuing a master’s degree in counseling and coaching at Yonsei, further extending his intellectual and personal journey.

United Sigma Intelligence Association: A Global Network of Leading Minds

In his journey of self-exploration and pursuit of truth, Kim has not only cultivated his own abilities but has also sought to contribute to society. Alongside his dedicated studies, he envisioned building a knowledge network or think tank that would allow intellectuals to collaborate on projects of significance. This vision materialized in the form of the United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA), an organization he founded to promote excellence in knowledge and science. The USIA grants fellowships and awards to distinguished scholars from various fields, including science, social sciences, and the humanities. Among its members and advisors are over 100 tenured professors from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton, including seven Nobel laureates.

“I started the USIA with the belief that by connecting with world-class scholars and establishing a network, I could engage in global academic activities. Over time, the network expanded, allowing for collaborations with various organizations, including top-level NGOs in Korea. The USIA has become a global knowledge and research network, facilitating joint studies, such as collaborative research on united intelligence at universities, involving multiple institutions. The organization’s name in English reflects its mission—United Sigma Intelligence, which means it’s not only about human intelligence but also artificial intelligence. As we work on software that enhances cognitive abilities, AI will naturally play a key role. Our research encompasses not only rational intelligence but also emotional intelligence, emphasizing the 'fusion' of these elements.”

Through the USIA, Kim aims to connect the global intellectual ecosystem and create platforms where scholars can produce innovative outcomes that contribute to humanity. The scale and prestige of the USIA’s network, encompassing some of the world's most respected academic institutions, is nothing short of remarkable. How did Kim manage to build such a vast and high-caliber network?

“Since I’ve been involved in international activities related to intelligence, I naturally came to know outstanding scholars. Once you establish a connection with one expert, they often help introduce you to others, which expands the network. Over time, Nobel laureates and other leading figures have joined us. Interacting with these scholars is not only stimulating for my own growth, but it also raises the bar for my standards and goals. If I had limited my activities to Korea or Asia, my targets might have been lower. However, working with individuals at the forefront of global knowledge naturally pushes me to set higher goals and standards, and it provides immense motivation. New opportunities arise through these connections as well.”

In addition to his role with the USIA, Kim also serves as the honorary chairman of Challenge Korea Headquarters, a domestic nonprofit organization. This initiative aligns with the mission of the USIA, as it recognizes Koreans who have achieved significant accomplishments by overcoming various challenges. Among its honorees are notable figures such as former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, weightlifting champion Jang Mi-ran, and Infinite Challenge producer Kim Tae-ho. Through these awards, Kim hopes to inspire a spirit of challenge throughout Korean society.

 Ongoing Research and Collaboration for Cognitive Enhancement

Kim also strives to research methods to enhance brain functions and cognitive abilities. To further this goal, he established the USIA NeuroStory Research Center under the USIA, focusing on developing specific solutions in the field.

"The USIA NeuroStory Research Center is a joint research institute between industry and academia. We are also preparing for a collaborative research agreement with Yonsei University’s Artificial Emotional Intelligence Research Center. The center has professors specializing in psychiatry, psychological coaching, and other fields of mental and emotional health. Together, we plan to explore methods to enhance brain abilities and validate their effectiveness. Given the partnerships USIA has established with top universities globally, I believe this collaboration will generate significant synergies."

The USIA NeuroStory Research Center is conducting research across various age groups. For children, it explores methods to stimulate brain development; for adolescents, it focuses on improving learning abilities; for adults, it seeks ways to enhance work efficiency and problem-solving skills; and for seniors, it develops tools to prevent cognitive decline, such as dementia prevention and methods to avoid accidents like sudden unintended acceleration. Additionally, the center researches ways to alleviate Borderline Intellectual Functioning issues and ADHD, collaborating closely with clinical experts like Professor Kaufman and Professor Reynolds, both of them being renowned figures in the field. Kim envisions a virtuous cycle where the research outcomes benefit those in need and the profits from these findings are reinvested into further research.

"Although we are still in the early stages, the USIA NeuroStory Research Center aims to develop software or platforms to enhance brain function. We may also create models for meditation or psychological counseling to promote brain stability and emotional well-being. Additionally, we could design aptitude tests for corporations or public organizations. The research center's various ventures ultimately lead to contribution to society, with the nonprofit USIA facilitating this by channeling profits from such initiatives back into societal contributions."

Cognitive Abilities Can Be Enhanced Through Management

Are cognitive abilities innate, or can they be developed over time? This question has sparked much debate. As an individual with the world’s highest IQ and a dedicated researcher in cognitive neuroscience, Kim believes that cognitive abilities can indeed be improved.

"The current mainstream scientific theory revolves around ‘neuroplasticity theory’, which suggests that the brain develops and strengthens the networks between brain cells through use, while it deteriorates when not utilized. With continued usage, no matter how little it may be, individuals can improve their potential cognitive abilities by at least 10%. However, if the brain is underused, or damaged through excessive alcohol consumption, memory and processing speed can decline, and cognitive functioning may slow down. Thus, brain management is essential, and the best way to improve cognitive abilities is through daily habits. Reading regularly, learning new things, and training your brain in daily life are key. For more targeted cognitive enhancement, tests can help identify weak areas that can be further developed."

However, Kim also emphasizes that intelligence should not be confined to rational abilities alone, as measured by IQ tests.

"In Korea, the IQ test is the only recognized intelligence assessment, but emotional intelligence is just as important. Psychological states, such as depression, can lower cognitive performance, and obsessive thoughts can reduce abilities in certain areas. Comprehensive cognitive development requires the management of both rational and emotional intelligence. Personally, I struggled even with a high IQ when my emotional stability faltered. Without emotional stability, it is impossible to fully utilize one’s cognitive abilities."

Providing Personalized Brain Enhancement Solutions

Kim observes a growing interest in neuroscience and brain development. As this trend continues, he sees many opportunities to contribute, with his ultimate goal being the development of personalized solutions to address various challenges related to cognitive abilities.

"In the past, we thought each subject at school had its own study method, but now there are books specifically about studying itself. However, study methods should be tailored to each individual's brain capabilities. For instance, two individuals with an IQ of 130 might have different cognitive strengths. The overall score may be the same, but their detailed metrics vary. This means that even with the same IQ, their abilities differ, so personalized solutions are necessary. Moreover, since all activities are brain-based, such solutions can be applied to various fields, whether in public education, sports, or any other area involving brain activity."

Kim’s vision is to become the world’s leading expert in brain science, aiming to achieve a level of success comparable to that of Tony Buzan, the creator of mind mapping and a renowned figure in brain research who provided cognitive consulting for numerous companies and famous individuals.

Being recognized as the highest IQ holder and receiving attention from both domestic and international media, Kim feels proud of having showcased the intellectual excellence of Koreans. However, he remains humble and cautious, focusing not on personal fame but on building a world-class think tank and leading research that contributes to society. His dedication to cognitive research and its potential to improve the quality of life for many indeed deserves recognition and support from our society.