1. Overview
Jeong H. Kim (김종훈Kim Jong-hoonKorean), born in Seoul, South Korea, is an American engineer, businessman, and entrepreneur widely recognized for his significant contributions to the technology industry. His career spans leadership roles in major technology companies, including serving as the president of Bell Labs from 2005 to 2013 and as the chief strategy officer of Alcatel-Lucent. Kim is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded Yurie Systems, which was later acquired by Lucent Technologies for over 1.00 B USD. An elected member of the National Academy of Engineering for his work in battlefield communication, he is known for his philanthropic endeavors and has received numerous awards acknowledging his achievements in technology, business, and public service. In 2013, he was nominated as the Minister of Future Creation and Science for South Korea but withdrew his candidacy amidst controversy.
2. Early Life and Academic Journey
Jeong H. Kim's formative years were marked by significant personal challenges and a relentless pursuit of education that laid the groundwork for his distinguished career.
2.1. Childhood and Immigration
Born in Seoul, South Korea, on August 13, 1960, Jeong H. Kim experienced a difficult childhood characterized by poverty. His parents divorced when he was around five years old, and his father remarried, leading him to live with his stepmother. He attended Sungdeok Elementary School and Korea Middle School. In 1975, at the age of 14, he immigrated with his family to Maryland, United States. This transition proved challenging as he spoke very little English and was inherently shy, making school adaptation difficult. He often faced taunts from American children who questioned if he was Chinese or Japanese. Due to financial hardship, he frequently skipped lunch rather than using the government-issued food stamps for low-income families, feeling ashamed of his poverty. He later recalled the intense stress he experienced, often leading to nosebleeds upon returning home.
During high school, an internal auditor at his school even suggested he undergo an IQ test due to his struggles with English. The test results indicated strong analytical and comprehension skills but weaker memory, influencing his decision to pursue physics or engineering rather than medicine or law. To support himself, Kim took on various part-time jobs, including newspaper delivery, kitchen assistant, lawn care, and convenience store cashier. At 17, he was forced out of his home by his father. A high school teacher, Dan Bredon, became aware of Kim's predicament and allowed him to live in his basement for rent. Years later, after achieving significant success as a venture capitalist, Kim made a donation to the high school in honor of Bredon. In 1978, a math teacher introduced him to an Apple personal computer, which deeply fascinated him and ignited his dream of building his own computer, inspired by Steve Jobs. Recognizing his talent and difficult circumstances, his principal allowed him to graduate a semester early.
2.2. Education and Academic Achievements
Kim received his K-12 education through public schools before graduating early from high school. He earned a scholarship to Johns Hopkins University, where he completed his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and computer science with honors in three years. During his university studies, Kim often found it difficult to fully grasp lectures and compensated by diligently studying supplementary books. His industriousness and focus were well-known among his peers; he once recalled being so engrossed in writing a thesis that he left the library at 2 AM, mistaking the darkness for midday. He felt a strong pull towards advanced technological fields, especially computers, stating in an interview that he was "very much drawn to computers" and felt that Steve Jobs's early PC development was "technology that would change the world." During his seven-year service in the United States Navy, he also earned a master's degree in technical management from Johns Hopkins University. After returning to civilian life, he pursued and completed a Ph.D. in reliability engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in just two years, all while working full-time. His doctorate was the first to be awarded by the University of Maryland in that specific discipline.
2.3. Military Service
Following his graduation from Johns Hopkins University, Kim joined the United States Navy in 1982, serving for seven years until 1989. During this period, he worked as a nuclear submarine officer. He also held a position as an atomic energy planning and policy officer at the National Defense Nuclear Weapons Research Institute. His service contributed to national defense and security, which later earned him recognition from the National Academy of Engineering.
3. Professional Career
Jeong H. Kim's professional journey showcases a trajectory from early technology engagements to successful entrepreneurship and executive leadership in prominent global tech companies.
3.1. Early Engagements
While still attending college, Kim began his professional career in 1980, working for a startup technology firm named Digitus. He became a partner in the company and believed he was on track to achieve significant financial returns. However, upon graduating in 1982, he chose to leave Digitus to join the United States Navy, driven by a desire to contribute to his adopted country. After his military service concluded in 1989, Digitus had fallen victim to the rapid consolidation within the computer industry. Kim resolved to establish his own business upon leaving the Navy, aiming to avoid the pitfalls that led to Digitus's decline. However, he initially struggled to secure financing for his startup. Consequently, from 1990 to 1993, he worked as a contract engineer for AlliedSignal at the Naval Research Laboratory. It was during this period that he became familiar with asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology, which facilitates the linking of various electronic communication modes. Recognizing the pressing need to bridge the gap between burgeoning integrated technologies and existing diverse systems, especially for military applications requiring the linking of voice, video, and data in remote areas with limited communication infrastructure, he identified a critical market opportunity.
3.2. Yurie Systems: Founding and Success
In 1992, Jeong H. Kim founded his own company, initially named 'Integrated Systems Technology,' with the goal of researching efficient electrical communication between different systems. To finance this venture, Kim borrowed 400.00 K USD against his house and maximized his credit cards, demonstrating a high degree of entrepreneurial risk-taking. In 1996, he renamed the company Yurie Systems after his daughter. Kim successfully developed a robust field system capable of transmitting voice, data, and video across various military applications. He led the development of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switches for wireless devices. His commitment to the company extended to hiring his former high school math teacher and recruiting prominent figures like former US Secretary of Defense William Perry to the board.
Despite being initially dismissed by a major Korean conglomerate, which questioned the reliability of a small American company led by a Korean, Yurie Systems achieved remarkable success. By 1997, Kim became a highly recognized figure among technology entrepreneurs, celebrated for leveraging ATM standards from defense contracts into commercial applications. Following its initial public offering (IPO) in February 1997, BusinessWeek magazine named Yurie Systems the number one Hot Growth Company among all US public companies in May 1997. In 1998, Kim sold Yurie Systems to Lucent Technologies for 1.10 B USD. After the sale, Kim personally received over 510.00 M USD. In 1998, Forbes magazine listed Kim among the 400 richest Americans, estimating his wealth at 560.00 M USD. The following year, in 1999, Fortune magazine included him in its "Richest Americans Under 40" ranking, valuing his assets at approximately 430.00 M USD. Notably, Kim distributed 40% of the company's equity to his employees upon its sale, making over 20 of them millionaires. This act was guided by his belief that "no matter how capable or intelligent one is, nothing can be achieved alone; great teamwork is the only path to success."
3.3. Leadership at Lucent Technologies and Bell Labs
Following the acquisition of Yurie Systems, Jeong H. Kim assumed significant executive roles within Lucent Technologies and later, as president of the renowned Bell Labs.
3.3.1. Roles within Lucent Technologies
After selling Yurie Systems in 1998, Kim, then 37, continued to work with Lucent Technologies. He initially served as president of its carrier networks division from 1998 to 1999. Subsequently, from 2000 to 2001, he became the president of the optical networking group. During this tenure, he successfully orchestrated a multi-billion dollar business turnaround, dramatically elevating Lucent's global market share position in the optical space from fourth to first place within just four fiscal quarters. He resigned from Lucent in 2001 to become a professor at the University of Maryland, with joint appointments in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Mechanical Engineering. While teaching, Kim formed an investor group to acquire Cibernet, a cellular billing exchange service provider, and served as its chairman from March 2003 until July 2005. In 1999, Kim also co-founded Taconic Capital Advisors LLC, an event-driven and multi-strategy hedge fund firm, alongside Kenneth Brody and Frank Brosens.
3.3.2. Presidency of Bell Labs
In 2005, Kim rejoined Lucent Technologies, which later merged with the French telecom giant Alcatel to form Alcatel-Lucent. (Alcatel-Lucent has since been acquired by Nokia). He was appointed president of its distinguished Bell Labs division. Bell Labs, named after Alexander Graham Bell and known for producing 13 Nobel laureates, was a globally renowned research institution in telecommunications and basic science, considered a symbol of American innovation. Lucent sought to bring in Kim due to his reputation for innovation and challenging spirit, aiming to revitalize the research institute which was struggling to adapt to market changes. Kim initially declined the offer multiple times, feeling he was not yet qualified, making him the first person in Bell Labs' 80-year history to refuse the presidency. After persistent efforts by Lucent, he finally accepted the role in 2005, becoming the 11th president and the first ever appointed from outside the organization, as well as the youngest.
Under Kim's leadership, Bell Labs underwent significant transformation. He implemented a commercialization strategy that involved creating teams focused on integrating technology and venture teams dedicated to rapidly bringing products to market. These initiatives are widely credited with helping rescue Bell Labs from its crisis, and Kim is recognized as a top leader for his role in its revitalization. In the last two years of his eight-year tenure as head of Bell Labs (2005-2013), Kim also served concurrently as Alcatel-Lucent's chief strategy officer from July 2012, overseeing the company's overall strategic direction. Reflecting on his work in turning around the research institute, Kim stated, "I didn't take this job because it was easy. I took it because it was difficult."
3.4. Kiswe Mobile
After leaving Alcatel-Lucent in 2013, Jeong H. Kim co-founded Kiswe Mobile, an innovative startup specializing in interactive mobile video technology. He currently serves as the Executive Chairman of the company, continuing his focus on advancing communication and media technology.
3.5. Other Corporate and Organizational Affiliations
Jeong H. Kim maintains a wide array of affiliations with prominent corporations and non-profit organizations. He currently serves on the boards of global companies such as Samsung and Arris Group, as well as the non-profit organization Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI).
His past board memberships include Schneider Electric SA (France), McLeodUSA, MTI MicroFuel Cells, In-Q-Tel, the Bankinter Foundation of Innovation (Spain), the NASDAQ Listing and Hearing Review Council, and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, among many others. He has also served on the boards of educational institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, Georgetown University, the University of Maryland, and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University.
Beyond his corporate and academic roles, Kim holds a minority ownership stake in Monumental Sports & Entertainment. This entity owns several major professional sports teams, including the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League, the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association, the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association, and the Washington Valor of the Arena Football League. It also owns the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and manages the Kettler Capitals Iceplex and George Mason University's EagleBank Arena. In the early 2000s, Kim also founded Yuri Asset Management in Korea.
4. Philanthropic Activities
Jeong H. Kim has actively engaged in significant philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating a strong commitment to societal betterment, particularly in education and community development. He is a founding partner of Venture Philanthropy Partners, an organization dedicated to improving the lives and opportunities of children and youth from low-income families by providing financial resources, expertise, and personal connections.
He established the William Perry Korean Studies Chair at Stanford University, named after former US Secretary of Defense William Perry, with whom Kim visited the Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea in 2007. Kim has also made substantial donations to the University of Maryland. Furthermore, in his capacity as a co-owner of sports teams like the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals through Monumental Sports & Entertainment, he aims to create sports teams for the citizens of Washington, D.C. He also served on the board of DC2024, a group that campaigned to bring the 2024 Summer Olympics to Washington, D.C.
Kim's public service extends to his involvement with governmental and intelligence bodies. He served on the US Presidential Commission on Review of US Intelligence, the External Advisory Board of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Award Committee for the US National Medal of Technology and Innovation. He continues to serve on the board of the Nuclear Threat Initiative.
5. Nomination and Withdrawal as South Korean Minister
In February 2013, Jeong H. Kim was nominated by the 18th Presidential Transition Committee to serve as the Minister of Future Creation and Science for South Korea. However, his nomination soon became a subject of significant controversy. Before the parliamentary confirmation hearing could even begin, opposition parties raised numerous suspicions and criticisms regarding his background. Key concerns included his dual nationality and questions about his ultimate loyalty, given his extensive career and deep ties to the United States.
On March 4, 2013, just 17 days after his nomination, Kim voluntarily withdrew his candidacy and departed for the United States the following day. In an interview with The Chosun Ilbo on March 20, 2013, after returning to the US, Kim reflected on his experience in South Korea, stating, "I was too naive." He asserted that "resistance forces in Korean political and bureaucratic circles opposed my appointment, citing issues of nationality and potential lack of loyalty to the state." He further elaborated in a The Washington Post opinion piece that he withdrew because "it became clear that I, as an outsider, could not effectively carry out the ministerial duties within the existing Korean political and business environment." Kim described himself as a "victim of old Korean nationalist ideology," lamenting that the political climate and entrenched bureaucracy prevented him from contributing effectively to the new ministry.
6. Personal Life
Jeong H. Kim was born on August 13, 1960. He married in 1987 and has two daughters.
7. Awards and Honors
Jeong H. Kim has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his significant contributions to technology, business, and public service.
- 2023: National Medal of Technology and Innovation
- 2016: Horatio Alger Award, Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
- 2013: Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur, French Government
- 2012: Honorary Doctor of Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology
- 2011: New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame, Trustees Award
- 2010: Alumni Hall of Fame, University of Maryland
- 2010: Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, Postech University, Korea
- 2009: Chinese Institute of Engineers' Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2009: CIA Director's Award (second award)
- 2009: Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award, Asian American Engineer of the Year Special Awards
- 2007: Maryland Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame
- 2007: Washington Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame
- 2006: 5 Sectors Award, State of New Jersey
- 2005: President's Distinguished Alumnus Award, University of Maryland
- 2005: 10 Most Influential Asian American in Business, U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce
- 2004: Innovation Hall of Fame, University of Maryland
- 2004: Blumenthal Award, Johns Hopkins University
- 2004: National Academy of Engineering (elected member for contributions to national defense and security through improved battlefield communication)
- 2001: CIA Director's Award
- 2000: Civil Merit Medal, Republic of Korea
- 1999: ICAS Liberty Award
- 1999: Ellis Island Medal of Honor
- 1999: Distinguished Alumnus Award, Johns Hopkins University
- 1999: American Immigration Law Foundation Immigrant Achievement Award
- 1999: BETA Award (Baltimore's Extraordinary Technology Advocate)
- 1999: KPMG Peat Marwick High Tech Entrepreneur
- 1998: Ernst & Young National Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
- 1998: University of Maryland Distinguished Engineering Alumnus
- 1998: American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate
- 1998: The Korea Society James A. Van Fleet Award (for contributions to friendly Korea-US relations)
- 1998: KAA Businessman of the Year
- 1997: Maryland High Tech Council Entrepreneur of the Year
- 1989: Defense Meritorious Service Medal, USA
- 1987: Navy Achievement Medal, US Navy
8. Legacy and Commemorations
The University of Maryland has honored Jeong H. Kim's significant contributions with the construction and naming of the Jeong H. Kim Engineering and Applied Sciences Building. This building stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the institution and his field. The university also recognized his contributions with the Innovation Hall of Fame Award.