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Kim Young-hoon: South Korean Genius with Reported IQ of 276 — And a Believer in Christ?

Kim Young-hoon: South Korean Genius with Reported IQ of 276 — And a Believer in Christ?

By Shecaniah Grace | Updated June 2025

Kim Young-hoon, reported to have the world's highest IQ

In a world fascinated by intelligence rankings, one name has recently surged to global attention: Kim Young-hoon, a South Korean memory athlete and theology student, who reportedly holds an astonishing IQ of 276. Media outlets across South Korea—including Asia Economy, YTN, and JoongAng Ilbo—have credited him as the highest IQ individual in the world, surpassing names like Terence Tao and Marilyn vos Savant.

Is IQ 276 Scientifically Valid?

Kim’s IQ was reportedly assessed through high-level competitions such as the World Memory Championships and confirmed by entities like the World Mind Sports Council and Korea's version of a national record institute. He is also affiliated with elite intelligence groups like the Mega Society and the GIGA Society.

However, many experts in cognitive psychology remain skeptical. Mainstream IQ testing scales—like the Stanford-Binet or WAIS—typically top out at 160 to 200. Beyond that, results become speculative due to insufficient sample size and a lack of standardized comparison. Online forums, including Reddit discussions, have questioned the legitimacy of the testing procedures, pointing out the absence of international academic peer review.

Intersection of intelligence and Christian faith

A Theology Student and Christian Believer

What sets Kim apart from most public intellectuals is not just his extraordinary intellect—but his spiritual trajectory. He is a graduate in Theology from Yonsei University, pursued further studies at King’s College London, and is currently enrolled in a seminary preparing for pastoral ministry.

While no direct quotes were found explicitly stating, "Jesus is the Son of God," his academic focus and vocational path strongly indicate his belief in the core tenets of Christianity. Given the traditional orthodoxy of most South Korean seminaries, it's safe to infer that he acknowledges Jesus Christ as divine, aligning with biblical doctrine.

Faith and Intelligence: A Conflict or Complement?

Kim Young-hoon's story presents a powerful narrative that intellect and faith are not mutually exclusive. In an age when Christianity is often mischaracterized as anti-intellectual, Kim’s example echoes biblical wisdom:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” — Proverbs 1:7

His academic achievements paired with spiritual convictions may inspire a new generation of young thinkers who desire to love God with all their mind (Matthew 22:37) while engaging meaningfully with science, philosophy, and faith.

Conclusion

Whether or not the claim of an IQ of 276 withstands rigorous academic scrutiny, one thing remains clear: Kim Young-hoon is a rare individual—a man at the intersection of intellectual prowess and Christian belief. His life invites us to ask deeper questions not only about genius, but also about truth, purpose, and God.


What do you think? Can someone be the world’s smartest person and still believe in Jesus? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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