Mr. Youngso Kim graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from the University College London, UK in 1993 and a Masters' degree in Public economics and economic development from Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea in 2013.

Mr. Kim is currently the Deputy Director for Partnerships and Project in the Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division (TCID) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He is responsible for all activities related to the establishment of partnerships and implementation of projects.  

Prior to joining IMO in May 2017, Mr. Kim's most recently held position was as the Director of the Aids to Navigation Division of the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea. Mr. Kim joined the Ministry in 1998 as the Deputy Director, Maritime Safety Policy Division, he worked in the Ministry for 19 years.

His previous experience in the Ministry includes: Director of Navigational Safety and Information; Director of the International Maritime Strategy Development Task Force; Director of Seafarers and Maritime Safety Divisions of Busan and Incheon Regional Ocean and Fisheries Administration respectively; and Senior Deputy Director of the International Maritime Affairs Division.

From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Kim was seconded to IMO as a Technical Officer in the Navigational Safety and Maritime Security Section, Maritime Safety Division.